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WITH A SPECIAL CHAPTER ON

THE FERNS -ROUND LONDON.

FRANCIS GEORGE HEATH,

EDITOR OF THE NEW EDITION OF GILPIN'S "FOREST SCENERY";

Author of " The Fern Portfolio" " Autumnal Leaves," " Tree Gossip,

" The Fern World" "My Garden Wild," "Our Woodland Trees,"

"Sylvan Spring," " The Fern Paradise," " Burnhair. Beeches"

" Trees and Ferns," " Peasant Life," " The English Peasantry,"

ILLUSTRATED.

PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF

THE COMMITTEE OF GENERAL LITERATURE ANU EDUCATION

APPOINTED BY THE SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING

CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE.

LONDON :
SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE,

NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE, CHARING CROSS, W.C. ;
43, QUEEN VICTORIA STREET, E.C. ;

26, ST. GEORGE'S PLACE, HYDE PARK CORNER, s.w.

BRIGHTON: 135, NORTH STREET.

NEW YORK: E. & J. B. YOUNG & CO.

1885.

CONTENTS,

The Illustrations ... ... ... ... page v

I. Explanatory ... I

II. Definitions of Terms 4

III. Fern Habitats 19

IV. On the Cultivation of Ferns 45

V. The Bracken (Pteris aquilina} ... 50

VI. The Hartstongue (Scolopendrium -vulgare) ... ... 52

VII. The Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-fcemina) 56

VIII. The Hard Fern (Blechnum spicanf) 58

IX. The Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis) ... ... ... 62

X. The True Maidenhair (Adiantum capilhts-veneris) ... 66

XI. The Annual Maidenhair (Gymnogramma leptophylla) 70

XII. The Mountain Parsley Fern (Allosorus crispus) ... 72

XIII. The Bristle Fern ( Triclwmanes radicans) ... ... 76

XIV. The Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria) ... ... ... 79

XV. The Adders-tongue (Ophioglossitm vulgatuni) ... 80

XVI. The Little Adders-tongue (Ophioglossum lusitanicum} 81

XVII. The Common Polypody (Polypodium vulgare) ... 82

XVIII. The Mountain Polypody (Polypodium'phegopteris) ... 84

XIX. The Three-branched Polypody (Polypodium dryo-

pteris) 86

XX. The Limestone Polypody (Polypodium calcareum) ... 87
XXI. The Alpine Polypody (Polypodium alpestre) 89

XXII. The Hard Prickly Shield Fern (Polystichum aculeatuni) 90

XXIII. The Soft Prickly Shield Fern (Polystichum angulare) 92

XXIV. The Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis) 93

XXV. The Brittle Bladder Fern (Cystopteris fragilis) ... 95

XXVI. The Alpine Bladder Fern (Cystopteris regia) 97

B 2

2091 o

iv CONTENTS.

XXVII. The Mountain Bladder Fern (Cystopteris man-

tana} page 98

XXVIII. The Oblong Woodsia ( Woodsia ilvensis) 99

XXIX. The Alpine Woodsia ( Woodsia alpind) IOO

XXX. The Male Fern (Lastrea filix-mas) 102

XXXI. The Broad Buckler Fern (Lastrea dilatata) ... 103
XXXII, The Hay-scented Buckler Fern (Lastrea recurva) 105

XXXIII. The Rigid Buckler Fern (Lastrea rigida) 107

XXXIV. The Crested Buckler Fern (Lastrea cristata) ... 108
XXXV. The Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern (Lastrea spinu-

losa) 110

XXXVI. The Mountain Buckler Fem (Lastrea montana)... in

XXXVII. The Marsh Buckler Fem (Lastrea tkelypteris) ... 113

XXXVIII. The Forked Spleenwort (Asplenium septentrionale) 114

XXXIX. The Alternate Spleenwort (Asplenium germanicuni) 116

XL. The Rue-leaved Spleenwort (Asplenium ruta-

muraria) ... ... ... ... ... ... 117

XLI. The Black Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium

adiantum-nigrum ... ... ... ... ... 119

XLII. The Lanceolate Spleenwort (Asplenium lanceo-

latum) ... ... ... ... 121

XLIII. The Rock Spleenwort (Asplenium fontajiuni) ... 123
XLIV. The Green Spleenwort (Asplenium viride) ... 124
XLV. The Common Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium

trichomanes) ... ... ... ... ... 126

XLVI. The Sea Spleenwort (Asplenium marinum) ... 128
XLVII. The Scaly Spleenwort (Asplenium ceterach) ... 130
XLVIII. The Tunbridge Filmy Fern (Hymenophyllum

tunbridgense) ... ... ... ... ... 132

XLIX. The One-sided Filmy Fern (Hymenophyllum

unilaterale] ... ... ... ... ... ... 134

L. Ferns round London ... ... ... 137

INDEX' 149

THE ILLUSTRATIONS,

ILLUSTRATIONS of all the species of British Ferns are
included in this volume; and British Ferns, it must
be remembered, include species which comprise a not
inconsiderable portion of those to be found in many
other parts of the world than the British Islands. The
illustrations of these Ferns have been reduced from the
outlines which form the basis of the coloured figures
of " THE FERN PORTFOLIO," to which work this little
pocket-book is intended to be a companion.

The high praise which the Press has bestowed upon
both the design and execution of the facsimile illustra-
tions of " THE FERN PORTFOLIO " may be allowed, the
Author trusts, to bespeak commendation for the very
carefully made reductions from those illustrations —
photographically accurate and true in all but colour —
included in " WHERE TO FIND FERNS."

The figures in this volume are a little less than
one-third natural size.

To prove the accuracy of the photographic reductions
of the figures, readers are invited to compare them,
by the aid of a pocket magnifying-glass, with those of
" THE FERN PORTFOLIO." The same process will enable
the reader to discover any points of detail that,
appearing in the accompanying descriptions in the text,

IV THE ILLUSTRATIONS.

may not readily be discerned by the unaided eye in the
. figures.

Illustrations are also given in the chapter entitled
" Definitions of Terms," and will, it is believed, add
force and clearness to the explanations of that chapter.

But a feature of this little volume, which the Author
believes is quite new to Fern literature, is the illustration
of the chapter on " Fern Habitats." That so especial
a feature of " WHERE TO FIND FERNS " will be widely
appreciated by lovers of the beautiful plants which
form its subject, the Author confidently believes.

It is unusual for the author of a book to say anything
about its price; but in this instance the price of the
volume has been a careful subject of study, with the
object of widely increasing the love for a recreation
whose pursuit must exercise a wholesome and healthy
influence upon the public mind — an influence which,
at once purifying and elevating, is calculated to raise
the thoughts to better things, leading the mind from a
contemplation of the beauty of Nature to the great
Giver of all good things.

The price, therefore, of the volume, bound in cloth,
is fixed at EIGHTEENPENCE ; and as in this respect it
stands alone amongst books of its kind, only a very large
sale can make its issue remunerative.

LONDON, May, 1885.

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

I. — EXPLANATORY.

HE title of this little
work will indicate its
object. But some slight
explanation of its espe-
cial aim is necessary.
It is intended to be a
pocket volume. It will
not attempt to super-
sede larger and more
detailed and descriptive
fern-books. Yet, though
it will assume on the
part of its readers some
general knowledge of
the beautiful flowerless
plants which form its
subject, it will, for con-
venience-sake, give de-
scriptive, or rather de-
finitive, notes of the
ferns whose habitats
it will indicate.

Already, in such works
as " THE FERN PORT-
FOLIO," " THE FERN
PARADISE," and "THE
FERN WORLD," the Author has given descriptive ac-
counts, accompanied by coloured and other illustra-

2 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

tions, of all the species of British ferns ; and to go
over again the ground thus occupied — and occupied,
too, by other writers — would be unnecessary, and it
would be also impossible, obviously, to give either the
elaborate illustration or the information in those works
within the space of the present one, which is merely
intended to supply, within the narrowest possible limits,

indications of the habitats and of the distribution
throughout the country of our British ferns.

The Author is unaware of the existence of any similar
volume with just the aim of this one ; and hence its
raison-ffetre. Fern-hunting, to lovers of ferns, is one of
the most delightful of pastimes. It gives zest to any
country walk, because it adds the attraction of a hobby
to the pleasure of being out of doors. Life, in the
present age, is far too sedentary, and there exists too

EXPLANATORY. "3

great a tendency to sit in rooms with closed doors and
windows. Some people seem almost to dread air in
motion, and they become, in time, so little used to it
that, at length, the body itself is brought into a morbid
state, currents of air become " draughts," and cold and
illness are the result. The air is the best friend we
have, and in seeking outdoor pastimes in the country we
obtain it in its best and purest form. The seeker after
ferns must ride his hobby into the wildest and most out-
of-the-way districts (page 2), and into the most delicious
nooks of greenery — must climb hills, wind through
valleys, plunge into woods, follow the course of streams,
search rocks, hedgebanks, and forest-clumps, examine
old walls and tree-forks, and look everywhere, in short,
where green life has a chance of existence.

But many persons who have a general knowledge of
ferns do not know the particular places in which the
various species should be looked for ; and it would
require the exercise of a very unusual memory to
remember the particular districts over which the various
species are distributed, or from which certain of the
commoner kinds are excluded.

To supply such data in a concise form under the
name of each fern, after first giving illustrated "Definitions
of Terms," an illustrated chapter on " Fern Habitats,"
and a chapter on " The Cultivation of Ferns," is the
especial purpose of this little volume. There will follow
a special chapter on the " Ferns round London," and an
alphabetical index of the particular localities mentioned
in the other sections of the book,

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

II. — DEFINITIONS OF TERMS.

O render unnecessary the repetition
of explanations of the meaning
of the botanical terms used in
the description of the parts of
ferns, the definition of such terms
as are used in this volume will be
here given. The list will be
as short as possible, because
generally the simplest and least
technical expressions will be used,
and botanical terms will only be
resorted to when they indicate
what could only otherwise be
conveyed by several words. By
reading this short chapter once
or twice the uninitiated will, therefore, be readily able
to understand all that is said in the succeeding chapters,
and will not find themselves involved — as they would
were nothing but technical terms employed — in the
mazes of a new language.

Ferns, as most of our readers will scarcely need to
be reminded, are flowerless plants, allied to funguses,
lichens, liverworts, mosses, and seaweeds, but standing
higher than those orders in the scale of vegetation.
Their more immediate allies are plants of the following
orders : — Equisetacece (Horsetails) ; Lycopodiacece (Club-
mosses) and Marsileacece (Pepperworts). All these
plants belong to the large class designated, in the
botanical arrangement of the vegetable kingdom,
Cryptogamia — so designated because the fructification,
produced without the agency of flowers, is more or less
concealed by being borne on the backs or edges of their
leafy parts.

DEFINITIONS OP TERMS.

Here is a portion — the under side of one of the pinna
(or branches) of the Broad Buckler Fern (Lastrea dilatata)
— showing conspicuously the fruit scattered like small
spots on its surface. To see this fruit when present, the

^* \ _ V f *«'.».V /'//•% T7 ^L A

fronds of a growing plant would have to be turned up
to the light.

Like other plants, ferns consist of three principal
parts — roots, stems, and leafy farts. The accompanying

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

figure of the Scaly Spleenwort (Asplenium ceteracK) illus-
trates the parts just mentioned. These, with their sub-

divisions and the organs or appendages connected with
them, will be described as follows,

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS.

All ferns have roots which are more or less fibrous ;
being sometimes very fine, tough, and wiry, and some-
times thick, brittle, and fleshy. The finer fibrous roots

may be illustrated by those of the Scaly Spleenwort ;
the thick, brittle, and fleshy ones by those figured in the
sketch, on this page, of the Moonwort (Botrychium

8 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

lunarid). To get this figure, which is life-size, into our
page, it is shown in two parts, the roots and part of the
stem or stipes on the right-hand side, and the remainder
'of the stem (from the point of severance) and the barren
and fertile fronds on the left-hand side.

The stems of ferns are of two principal kinds. The
one kind is ordinarily called a caudex or wrmus, the
other a rhizoma. Strictly speaking, the caudex simply
means the stem, of whatever kind. Many persons
erroneously regard that part of a stem which is wholly
or partially buried in the earth as a root. As even
botanists give various and conflicting definitions of the
parts of plants which are either roots or stems, it will be
desirable, in this place, to make it clear in what sense
the terms employed in the following chapters are used
in relation to ferns.

When roots are referred to, it will be understood that
the expression has reference, solely, to the fibrous under-
ground parts of ferns, such as that shown in the figure
of the Scaly Spleenwort (page 6).

The rootstock is the basal part of the stem from which,
growing downwards, the roots spring. The upper part
of the stem is called the crown. From this arise the
leafy parts of ferns.

If the stem be more or less globular, bulb-shaped,
and erect in habit, it is said to be a cormus. If it lies or
creeps horizontally upon, or underneath, the soil, it is
called a rhizoma.

The form and appearance of the rhizoma are shown
in the figure, on page 9, of that very beautiful fern,
the European Bristle Fern (Trichomanes radicans).

In this figure the creeping stem is distinctly indicated,
with its fibrous rootlets, together with one completely
expanded, and three unrolling fronds underneath. The
rhizoma, as the illustration also shows, is clothed with
dark-coloured hair or down.

Few of our native ferns have stems which rise more

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS.

than an inch or two above ground. When a stem rises to
a height of many feet -above the ground it forms a trunk,
becomes tree-like, and ferns of this habit are called tree-
ferns. The elongation of a stem to form a trunk is a

process accomplished by the heightening of the crown
of the cormus by the retention, each year, of the bases
of the fronds which rise above it in a circlet. The older
the fern, therefore, the higher, up to a certain limit, will

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS. II

be the trunk ; for, though the upper parts of the fronds
die away, they leave the lower parts as contributions to
the stem.

How beautiful are great tree-like forms of ferns
(page 10) can only be fully appreciated by those who
have seen these exquisitely-beautiful inhabitants of
tropical forests in their native habitats.

The only British species that, in character, at all re-
sembles a tree-fern is Osmunda regalis, which forms a
trunk sometimes two feet in height.

From the upper parts of the stems of ferns rise the
fronds, the name given to their leafy parts. The term
frond will be here used to mean the leafy part and the
long or short stalk which supports it and connects it
with the crown. This stalk is called the stipes ; but,
when reference is made to the shape of the frond, it
must be understood that only the leafy part is re-
ferred to.

In the ensuing illustration (page 12) of the Lady. Fern
(Athyriumfilix-famina) the leafy part is shown separately
from the scaly stipes on- the right-hand side.

The mid-stem of the frond, continuing from the stipes
into the leafy part, is called the rachis. If this be
branched, the principal or central mid-rib is the primary
rachis and the branches are the secondary rachides.

If the frond assume the form of a single leaf with an
unindented margin, it is said to be simple. The term
entire is used to refer to an unindented margin.

In the figure, on page 13, of the Adders-tongue
(Ophio gloss Jim vulgatum) the oval leafy part illustrates
what is called an entire margin.

When the frond is like a single leaf with incisions
which, though deep, do not reach down to the rachis, it
is described as being pinnatifid. Such is the form illus-
trated by the Scaly Spleenwort on page 6. If the in-
dentations reach the rachis, leaving it bare, the frond
become s pinnate, and each separated leafy part is called

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS.

a pinna — all the parts thus separated being designated,

in the aggregate, pinna. The pinnse may be entire,

simply or deeply indented, or again,

and more elaborately, divided. If

twice so divided, taking the entire

form as the starting-point, the frond

is bi-pinnate, and if once more, or

thrice divided, it is tri-pinnate. It

is decompound if more than three

times divided. The parts into which

pinnae are immediately subdivided

are termed pinnules. The immediate

subdivisions of pinnules are lobes.

Thus a thrice-divided frond, such

as that of the Bracken, consists of

stipes, rachis, secondary rachides,

pinnae, pinnules, and lobes.

The seeds of ferns, differing es-
sentially from the seeds of flowering
plants, are called spores. They are
dust-like bodies infmitesimally small,
and are enclosed — on the backs or
along the under edges of the fronds
in a particular order — in differently-
shaped spore-cases called sporangia.
The sporangia are generally pro-
duced in clusters or heaps called
son', each individual cluster being
called a sorus.

In the figure of a pinna of the
Broad Buckler Fern on page 5,
the arrangement of these heaps or
clusters of spore-cases was indicated.
Here (page 14) is a magnified lobe of
a pinnule of the same frond, magni-
fied so as to show very clearly its iorm, and the form
and position of each sorus with respect to the veins of
c 2

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

the leafy part, and to show also the hairiness of the
stem from which it springs and the incisions of the leafy

margin. The shape of the
sorus differs in different ferns.
It is mostly rounded; but in
some ferns, as shown in the
subjoined illustration of a
portion of a frond of the Male

Fern (Lastrea filix-mas\ it is
kidney-shaped. The annexed
figure, much enlarged from the
natural size of a portion of a
Male Fern frond, shows very
clearly both the shape (and the
position with regard to the
veins) of the sorus.

Sometimes the sori are pro-
tected by scale-like coverings.
Each such covering protecting
a sorus is named an indusium.
On page 15 is a drawing of an
indusium of a sorus of the Broad
Buckler Fern, one of the
Lastreas. It is much magnified,
but shows clearly the kidney shape and the jagged

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS. 1$

margin. Where there are no indusia the sori are said
to be non-indusiate, or naked. In some species the
margins of the pinnules are turned back
over the sori and cover them after the
manner of indusia. The fructification, in
such cases, is produced close to the ex-
treme outer edges of the leafy parts of the
frond, and is then said to be marginal.
In the case of those sori covered by
indusia when the spores are ripened, the indusia dry
up and fall off, and the spore-cases enclosed themselves
burst and liberate the infinitesimal germs they contain.
We shall see presently what is the shape of some spores
and spore- cases.

Fructification is a term applied to the general system
of spores. Some fronds bear no fructification, in which
case they are said to be barren; whilst others, upon the
same plant, are spore-bearing, and these are called!
fertile fronds. The fructification, as we have seen by
the magnified figures on page 14, is attached to the
veins which ramify over the leafy substance of the
frond. The system of veins is called the venation. That
particular portion of the venation to which the fructifica-
tion is attached bears the name of the receptacle.

Into a detailed consideration of the question of classi-
fication it is not the design of this volume to enter.

Ferns constitute a great class of the vegetable king-
dom. According to one of our botanical systems this
class is subdivided into orders, the orders into genera, the
genera into species, the species into varieties. In the
botanical arrangement of British plants under this par-
ticular system ferns belong to the third class — called
Acotyledons or Cryptogams (the other two classes of plants
being, i, Dicotyledons ; and, 2, Monocotyledons}. These
collective expressions are used to indicate that the
plants which are designated by them are produced from
seeds which are of three kinds: i, seeds which have

1 6 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

each two cotyledons — a cotyledon being a seed-lobe, and,
for assimilative purposes, a seed-leaf whether developed
above ground or beneath the soil ; 2, seeds which
have each one cotyledon; and, 3, seeds, without coty-
ledons, such as are the spores of cryptogamic plants.

Under the same system there are in the class of
Acotyledons nine orders, of which ferns — -filices — con-
stitute the first. The orders are subdivided into
tribes, the tribes into genera, and these into species and
varieties. Under filices there are four tribes, nineteen
genera, forty-five species, and almost endless varieties.
Here we shall only take note of genera and species,
and the descriptive and enumerative parts of the volume
will thus be found divided into forty-five sections,
headed by the common and botanical name of each
species of British fern. But, before leaving the present
chapter, we shall say a little about fern-spores, and
indicate the classification adopted by botanists with
regard to British ferns in so far as it is based upon
the character of the spore-cases, and the character of
the unrolling fronds.

British ferns, then, are divided for purposes of
classification into three groups, named, i, POLY-
PODIACEJE ; 2, OSMUNDACEJE ; and, 3, OPHIOGLOSSACE^.
The first group, Polypodiacea, includes ten smaller
groups, comprising fifteen genera : viz. : Polypodium,
Allosurus, Gynmogramma, Polystichum, Lastrea, Athy-
rium, Aspleniiitti, Scolopendrium, Blechnum, Pteris,
Adiantum, Cystopteris, Woodsia, Trichomanes, and Hy-
menophyllum. The spore-cases in this group are girt by
an elastic ring which, on bursting, causes the spore-case
to open by what is called a "transverse fracture."
The form of the case, the elastic ring, the manner
in which it opens, and the shape of the spores
enclosed in it are illustrated by the diagrams which
follow, and which exhibit the Common Polypody
(Polypodium vulgare\ with a portion of its rhizoma,

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS.

a frond, a spore-case enormously enlarged, much enlarged
spores, and enlarged pinnae, exhibiting, in one case, the
veins, and, in the other, enlarged, non-indusiate sori.

The manner of the fronds unrolling — a character which
characterises the group — is circinate or scroll-like, and
is shown in another genus belonging to the group, a

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

species of which, Aspleninm ceterach, has been previously
figured on page 6.

The next group, Osmundacea, includes only one genus
and one species in Britain, Osmnnda regalis ; and, though
the fronds are rolled up in the same way as in Poly-
podiacece, there is no elastic ring around the spore-cases,
and these are two-valved, and burst vertically.

The accompanying marginal cut will show the shape
and manner of opening of the spore-case
and the form of the spores, all being,
of course, magnified.

In the third group, Ophioglossacece,
are two genera and three species, viz.,

v \j ^ *-' ^ | ^_

Botrychiiim lunaria and Ophioglossum vulgatum and lusi-
tanicum. The fronds in this group are folded up straight,

FERN HABITATS. 1 9-

and the spore-cases are two-valved, and have no elastic-
ring, as will be seen on examining the figures given with,
the illustration, on page 7, of the Moonwort.

Accompanying the figure, given on page 9, of the
European Bristle Fern, an enlarged diagram shows the-
urn-shaped and peculiar position of its receptacle.
Through the centre of this receptacle the prolonged
end of a vein passes, and on this vein are strung the-
spore-cases. The urn shape of the receptacle, in the-
case of the two Filmy Ferns, is also conspicuously shown,
in the illustrations, on page 18, of those ferns.

III. — FERN HABITATS.

HO can doubt that much of the-
fascinating attraction of the pur-
suit of ferns arises from the love-
liness of the spots where they
grow, and, to those new to the
pastime, from the pleasurable sur-
prise attendant upon finding forms-
of beauty in places so dark and
shadowy as to be half gloomy ?*
Looking into such places, — hol-
lows in rocks, openings in the leafy
shrouds of hedge-banks, and the-
shadowy spaces which lie beneath
the dense undergrowths of woods
— the eye, at first, oftentimes sees-
nothing but the merest shadowy outlines. But, as it
becomes accustomed to the darkness, it begins to
discern the delicate, graceful, and feathery forms of"
some members of the great family of shade and mois-
ture-loving plants. Looking still, the forms become

20 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

bolder, until every curve and indentation stands out
Avith perfect distinctness. At other times the eye is
pleased with the wealth of beauty revealed to it by the
crowding of graceful ferny forms upon open hill-sides,
•over sunlit forest glades, or upon the boulder-strewn
•expanse of some rugged moorland. The country which
produces the most beautiful scenery furnishes in greatest
.abundance the most lovely forms of fern life ; and ferns
Jend additional beauty to lovely scenery.

Yet ferns are often present in many places without
being seen. They are so modest and retiring in habit,
that they frequently hide, so to speak, in the most
sequestered nooks. But it is always easy to find them
when it is known where to look for them. Their powers
-of reproduction are so great, the infinitesimal spores are
so easily wafted far and wide by the restless winds, when
the season of ripening has arrived and the bursting
sporangia have set at liberty the multitudes, infinitely
vast, of their imprisoned germs, that the presence even
of the rarest ferns is always possible, even in places least
.suspected to possess them.

It may generally be assumed that, wherever ferns have
been once actually discovered, they will be found again,
if not in the immediate vicinity, at least somewhere in
the same neighbourhood. Even when well-known
habitats of rare ferns have been stripped of all promi-
nently visible specimens, the old ferns taken away are
almost certain to have had opportunities of shedding
their spores before their removal ; and in a year or two,
when the minute seedlings have had time to assume
ferny forms, they may be looked for in the same spots
with a tolerable certainty of finding them, provided the
-conditions of growth have not been changed by an
.alteration in the character of the habitats.

With regard to several species of British ferns, the
recorded habitats are very few in number, and the species
.in question are pronounced to be " rare." But, when it

FERN HABITATS. 21

is remembered that the opportunities of obtaining the
topographical information which has been published in
books on this subject have necessarily been limited, it
may fairly be assumed that the habitats of these ferns
are much more numerous than they are generally sup-
posed to be. Small as are the British Islands, and
thoroughly overrun as are most parts of them, there are,
nevertheless, tens of thousands of places suitable for the
growth of ferns that are practically terra incognita,
though not by any means inaccessible to the fern-hunter.
The Author of this volume has frequently, in the earlier
days of his fern-hunting excursions, in looking for rare
ferns in places to which experienced guides have directed
him, by taking the trouble to look further in the same
neighbourhood, come upon places surprisingly rich in
specimens whose existence had been wholly unsuspected
and obviously unknown. These " finds " have been due
to careful notings of the favourite habitats of the species,
and to the application of this knowledge to the practical
working of a system of persistent and elaborate search.
Yet the occupation has always been a pleasurable one,
and has only been undertaken as a delightful holiday
pastime.

What is true of small districts is likely to be equally
true of large ones. The Author believes that many
ferns, supposed to be entirely absent from certain parts
of this country, are really present, but undiscovered.
He has had many proofs, furnished to him by numerous
correspondents, of the occurrence of certain ferns in
counties and districts never before recorded as possess-
ing them.

One especial feature of this volume will be its indi-
cations of the particular positions in which ferns grow, so
that the exact places in which to look for the various
species may be known. This information, derived from
the Author's own knowledge, will be supplemented by the
fullest possible lists of the counties — for the more widely

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

distributed species — and of the smaller districts— for the
rarer kinds — in which each fern has been discovered
growing wild. For some of this information as to county
localities, the Author is indebted to Mr. Hewett Watson's
" Topographical Botany." To give minutely-detailed
indications of the exact spots in which the various ferns

are to be found would be to destroy half the charm of
fern-hunting.

The Author desires especially to impress upon those
who may read and use this book that there is no outing
in the country — however brief may be the period during
which it lasts, and however apparently unpromising may

FERN HABITATS. 23

be the district — that may not result in the finding of some
ferns which may be none the less valued because they
are common. The rarity of a " find " does, however, un-
questionably give pleasure to the majority of fern-hunters.
And such brief outings as have been referred to are sure
to have great zest given to them by the possibility of
finding a " prize " as the result of a minute and careful
search in such places as those indicated in the im-
mediately succeeding pages.

If, now, we can pictorially as well as verbally indicate
the places in which the fern-lover may expect to find
the object of his quest, we shall, we trust, impart a new
pleasure to a delightful pursuit.

First, then, let us take the ever-abundant and delightful
Bracken (Pteris aquilina) (page 22), which with feathery
grace and beauty drapes wide areas of common, moor,
and forest, fringing paths for miles in open glade and shady
woodland path, as hardy and luxuriant as it is beautiful.
It loves the sun as no fern does, and even in sunlit forest
glades will sometimes rise so high on either side as to
hide the tallest passer-by. It is by far the most abundant
of all its kind, and is the most familiar to those who know
least how to distinguish a fern from another plant.

On page 24 is a little peep of the Doone Glen, ren-
dered immortal by Mr. Blackmore's fascinating story of
" Lorna Doone." Upon just such upland slopes as those
which rise from the stream that winds through this moor-
land, the Bracken would be found, and down by the water's
margin, in little stony but rich and moist nooks, one
might look with confidence for the delightfully-scented
golden green Mountain Buckler Fern (Lastrea montana).
In similar nooks along the stream-bank, often growing in
clumps with the Mountain Buckler Fern, would be also
found the Hard Fern (Blechnum spicant). Under
shelter of the trees, shown in the foreground of the
picture, yet coying down as near as possible to the moor-
land stream the Hartstongue (Scolopendrium vulgare}

24 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

and the Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-fxtnina) would be
found growing singly or together in clumps, roots inter-
lacing with roots. Under the same shady influence it
must be strange if we did not come upon Osmunda
regalis, but this would be in positions where the soil
was more than usually peaty and soft, and where the
rootlets could touch the percolating water.

Talking of Mr. Blackmore and his beautiful book
tempts us to give a little glimpse, on page 25, of the
Bagworthy water-slide at the foot of the same Doone
Glen, a spot known by heart to thousands who have never
seen the place, but whose recollections will never cease to
vividly retain the graphic and awe-inspiring recital of Jan

FERN HABITATS. 25

Ridd's adventure up this famous slide to find love and
Lorna in the terrible DooneGlen at its head. What lover
of ferns could fail to recognise, in such a spot as this which
we have just opened to view, a chosen abode of ferns?
Here, at the foot of the rocks, the Lady Fern would
revel in the moist and half-gloomy air. So would the

Hartstongue and the Hard Fern. Upon the rocks
themselves we should find the common Maidenhair
Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes), the Wall Rue
(Asplenium ruta-muraria), the Common Polypody ; and
possibly, if careful search were made, the Mountain
Polypody {Polypodium phegopteris) in the moister leaf-
mould corners ; the Black Maidenhair Spleenwort

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

(Aspknium adiantum-nigruni), too, nestling in sheltered
stony crevices. Then, up stream amongst the trees, not too
far up, but near the base of the fall, the Prickly-toothed
Buckler Fern (Lastrea spimdosa), and possibly a speci-

men or two of Osmunda. Many of these, especially the
rarer kinds, have perhaps been carried off by the
thousands of visitors to this 'enchanted spot. The
Author only knows that, when he visited the Doone Glen
and the water-slide, he saw many of the species he has

FERN HABITATS. 2^

enumerated, and it is just such spots as these that
should furnish the kinds of fern that have been named.

Talking of Devonshire, we must give one or two
little pictures of its scenery in places certain to be
crowded with many kinds of ferns.

Here (page 26) is a bit of the Plym, near Cadover
Bridge. The river is brawling along just as Devonshire
rivers like to brawl, softly and musically, though with
great meaning, which implies the power to thunder when
heavy rains upon the moors bring down the waters
with a sudden rush that bears no resistance. Amongst
the riverine boulders the fern-hunter will not look in
vain probably, even if he have to search a little way, for
Osmunda and Blechnum, Lady Fern and Male Fern
(Lastrea filix-mas). Three other Buckler Ferns he is not
unlikely to find, — the Mountain, the Prickly-toothed,
and the Crested. The upland immediately beyond the
water will certainly give him Pteris aquilina, and — not
impossibly — careful search amongst the grassy roots
would lead to the discovery of the Moonwort, and a
little more towards the water, if he looks in somewhat
moister positions than he expects to find Botrychium
lunaria in, the Adders-tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatuni).

Looking out now for wood and water, we could
scarcely select a more typical bit of Devonshire fern
country than the scene in Bickleigh Vale, represented on
page 28. From these stony water-margins are sure to
look out, their roots snugly embedded in the leaf-mould
angles of their rocky habitats, grand specimens of Lady
Fern, Hartstongue, Hard Fern, and, a little higher on the
banks, the Hard and Soft Prickly Shield Ferns, the Com-
mon Polypody, the Broad Buckler Fern, and the Black
Maidenhair Spleemvort. In this same neighbourhood,
creeping along over moist stony surfaces, there should
be found masses of the two Filmy Ferns, Hymenophyllum
tunbridgense and Hymenophyllum unilaterale.

The beautiful Filmy Ferns, though absent from many

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

wide areas of country, are very abundant in those
spots in which the conditions of their delicate growth
are fulfilled. Amongst places known to the Author,
there are none where he has found them in such great
abundance as in the delicious bit of fern country lying
contiguous to Shaugh Bridge, that crosses the ferny Plym,

of which mention has just been made. Our illustration
(page 29) will give a glimpse of the boulder bed of
this pretty river. Not far from the bridge there rises
from the stream-level what may be termed a boulder
amphitheatre, consisting of great rocks, some smooth
and some rugged, and ranging in size from boulders like
those shown in our picture to giant rocks, that look as

FERN HABITATS.

if some giant hand had scattered the rocky hills around,
and thrown the debris into the valley. Here and there
tiny rills trickle down from the higher rocks to the river
below, and in many a moist position, in rocky hollows

between rock and rock, and on the crest of the stony
surfaces, the Filmy Ferns form dense carpetings. Veri-
table carpetings they are, for the fibrous roots and the
extensively creeping rhizomas of the ferns are so thick
D 2

3O WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

and matted that they could be stripped from the rocks
in sheets, though no fern-gatherer should take more than
a modest share of what is intended for all.

Stony bridges no longer new, when the mortar begins
to crumble, and leaf-mould to gather in the crevices from
which the mortar falls, form happy hunting-grounds for
fern-gatherers. Such a bridge as we have just repre-
sented as spanning the beautiful Plym, or one like that
we give below, at Uolgelly, is just the kind of structure

for several kinds of ferns to grow on. On the top and
sides would be found the Common Polypody, small on
the open face of the structure, larger in places where
ivy-roots keep in the moisture and retain the leaf-mould.
Hartstongues, too, only the smaller specimens, but
larger or smaller according to just the same conditions
as those which influence the Polypodies, would be found
in similar positions. Tiny specimens might be found,
too, of the Hard and Soft Prickly Shield Ferns. But

FERN HABITATS. 3f

old stony structures are almost the favourite habitats of
the Common and some of the rarer Spleenworts. The
Rue-leaved, the Common Maidenhair, the Black Maiden-
hair, and the Scaly Spleenworts, are certain to be found
in such places, some in one and some in another, and,
not impossibly though rarely, the Rock, the Alternated,
the Forked, and, if near the sea, the Lanceolate and the
Sea Spleenworts.

Talking of Asplenium lanceolatiim, let us illustrate one
of its favourite habitats by just this little view of rock.

Our readers will notice the almost perpendicular crevices
in this rock. If within the influence of the sea, this is
just the kind of rocky fissure in which to peer carefully
for the Lanceolate Spleenwort, especially if from above
a tiny rill flows along the rocky surface, and down
between the crevices. In these leaf-mould will gather,
and the air will always be moist, and hence the love for
it of our moisture-loving fern. If such rocks looked
right upon the sea, and were near the beach, then in the
same crevices one might expect to find Asplenium

32 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

marinum. But the mere mention of that very beautiful
glossy-fronded member of the flowerless family brings

sweet Devon again to the mind's eye ; and for the reader
who, not having seen it, cannot recall its lovely scenes

FERN HABITATS. 33

to mind, we will give this little peep (page 32) of a cove
in Torbay ; and we do this, not only because the peep
itself will be refreshing, but because we can thus illustrate
the habitats of two beautiful ferns. In the lower crannies
of the cliffs, if moisture chances either to be trickling
down from above over the rocky face or oozing out from

the rock itself, you will be very likely to find Asphnium
inarimtW) and in amongst the shrubs on the overgrown
face of the cliff on the near side is just the kind of place
to hunt for the rare and delicately-beautiful True Maiden-
hair (Adiantnm capillus-veneris). These particular cliffs
might not furnish either of the ferns we have mentioned ;
but, nevertheless, the places illustrated are just the places

34 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

to search in, and the Author has found both ferns in
Torbay.

And now, reluctantly leaving Devonshire and its ferny
scenes, let us illustrate some fern habitats in other places.
And, first, a view shall be given of the far-famed Cheddar
Cliffs (page 33), an especial haunt of the Limestone
Polypody, which grows, as the True Maidenhair is also
asserted to grow, in the moist picturesque nooks of
this rocky region. Rich as it is in many other of the
common kinds of fern, the Cheddar district of Somerset-
shire must be especially remembered for the two species
just mentioned.

In the succeeding pages the reader will often be told
of rocky habitats for such of the rarer ferns as the
Woodsias, the Holly Fern, the Bladder Ferns, the
Spleenworts, the Rigid Buckler Fern, and the rarer
Polypodies. Here (page 35) is such a one, and, should
the fern-hunter be in any part of the country where, as
the succeeding lists will tell him, he may hope to find
some of these rarer ferns, let him not neglect to carefully
search such likely spots. It would be really difficult
for any one with a real eye for ferns, to pass without
peering into all moist crannies of such rocks, where
" something green " suggests a ferny presence, without a
most careful scrutiny.

On page 36 is yet another bit of suggestive rock. To
climb it may be difficult ; yet a jutting fragment here and
there, for the feet to safely secure a hold, and a friendly
shrub growing out from the cliff-side will often tempt one
to climb, if only a little way, to get at some very graceful-
looking clump, that certainly must be a fern of some
kind, and that may chance (who knows ?) to be a rare
find, unseen or unexamined by all previous passers-by.

So much for the dry rocky places beloved of the
ferns. Now for the moister ones. There is a species
of dry eloquence in rocks everywhere. But they seem
to speak when the mountain torrent rushes over them.

FERN HABITATS.

30 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

Yet, like nature everywhere, even in this seemingly fierce
aspect, there is an under-tone of pathos and tenderness ;
for how otherwise could the tender and beautiful ferns
cling so lovingly to their rough sides ?

Let us look at the bit of scenery on the opposite
page from " the bonny Dee." In such a neighbourhood

as this we should look and be disappointed not to find
the Parsley Fern, all the Polypodies, the Hard Prickly
Shield Fern, and the Holly Fern, the Brittle and the
Mountain Bladder Ferns, the Male, the Broad and the
Mountain Buckler Ferns, the Alternated, the Rue-
leaved, the Black Maidenhair, the Green, and the
Common Maidenhair Spleenworts.

FERN HABITATS. 37

The mention of Scottish scenery reminds us of a
charming picture, in a charming book, — "Habbies

Howe," (page 43), in Dr. Green's " Scottish Pictures."
By the courtesy of the publishers, the Religious Tract

38 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

Society, we reproduce from their engraving a little bit
of water and fern. What a happy figure is this fern, and
who can doubt that it is the beautiful Lady Fern ? What
beauty and grace does this lovely plant fling over the
wild yet romantic scene in which it figures !

For a bit, now, of characteristic Cumberland scenery,
how could we do better than give the " Lodore Fall ? "
(page 39). A glance at our Index of Localities at the

end of this volume will tell the reader that Lodore Fall
is one of the habitats of the One-sided Filmy Fern ; but
further search through the succeeding pages will prove
that, out of the forty-five species of ferns figured and
described, no less than thirty-four are to be found in
Cumberland. Rich, indeed, are the counties of Devon
and Cumberland in the beautiful denizens of wood, lane,
and stream-bank ; and no hunting collector would go
away from such a neighbourhood as that just illustrated

FERN HABITATS. 39

without getting a rich store in numbers and variety of
the flowerless plants.

Whilst we are talking of numbers of this delightful

family that more than others seek the immediate neigh-
bourhood of water, yet without dipping into it, let us
not forget one that alone of its British congeners grows,

40 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

not near, but in water. We refer to the Marsh Buckler
Fern; and here below is a tiny bit of "locality" just
suited to Lastrea thelypteris. It is obviously boggy, and
in entering at the point shown in the foreground of
the little sketch one would necessarily have to pick
one's way. A bog overgrown with trees, just as this
seems to be, is the place to find the finest specimens of
this water-loving or liquid-peat-soil-loving fern.

Mr. Boot knows how to draw trees and ferns, as may
be seen by the little picture on page 41 of oaks at

Bradgate ; but the artist leaves the fern-lover to guess
whether he is depicting Bracken or Buckler Fern in the
foreground of his drawing. In just such positions one
might expect to find either the Bracken or the Common
and Broad Buckler Ferns, whilst by the water's edge
there might surely be some Lady Ferns.

Our artists in general have sadly neglected the ferns,
and, when it is considered how much beauty is lent to
all scenery by the presence of ferns, the omission is
strange. On page 42, however, is a happy little sketch by

FERN HABITATS. 4!

one who, when he has determined to give us a bit of
water, — this is a Severn scene, — and banks sloping down
to it, does not forget the important suggestiveness of a
few Bracken in the foreground. The depicters of our
English scenery can scarcely afford to overlook the
Bracken, because it is such a conspicuous feature in all

forest scenes. Mr. Walter Crane understands this, and
he knows, too — because he knows the New Forest so
well — what Bracken can be in that rich domain. A
sketch of his, representing yews and whitebeams in
Sloden (page 38), will not be without its especial interest
for all who revere and love the magnificent woodlands of

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

Hampshire. Those who may be tempted to wander that
way may like* to know that they will, at least, find (besides

Pteris aquilina\ in the
New Forest, Osmunda
, regah's, Lastrea man-
tana, Lastrea dilatata,
Lastrea filix-mas, and
Lastrea spinulosa, Po-
lystichum aculeatum,
and Polystichum an-
gulare, Asplenium adi-
antum - nigrum, and
the Rue-leaved, the
Scaly, and the
Common Maidenhair
Spleenworts, the Lady
Fern, the Harts-
tongue, the Common
Polypody, and the
Common Adders-
tongue.

And now, dear fern-
hunter, if there be
one thing more than
another that will stir
your enthusiasm, per-
haps it will be the
sight of a wood such
as the one on page 44;
for, perhaps, if one
place be more fasci-
nating for the fern-
lover than another, it
is the shady, the
mysterious, the always

delicious depths of a wood when the summer sunshine
glints through the trees, bringing up into fine relief the

FERN HABITATS.

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

contorted arms of ancient oaks, on whose ample forks
the Polypody flaunts its golden fruit, and under whose

^v^^^^,-/

friendly shade, in the darker and moister angles of the
woodland, Bracken and Buckler Fern display their
graceful forms.

ON THE CULTIVATION OF FERNS,

IV. — ON THE CULTIVATION OF
FERNS.

HIS chapter is intended to be short
and simple in character. Yet it is
hoped that its counsel will be none
the less useful and effectual.

It is somewhat rare, the Author
believes, to find, amongst the
numerous valuable and useful works
that deal with the home cultivation
of plants, books that endeavour to
make their instructions relate to the
natural conditions under which the
same plants were found growing pre-
viously to what may be called their domestication. Yet
most of our methods of cultivation are but adaptations of
natural circumstances, and, — at least in the case of ferns
newly gathered from their native habitats, — the closer
such natural circumstances or conditions of growth are
followed, the more certain will be the success of the
adapter ; for it is ignorance of the natural habits of
ferns that leads to the most deplorable failures of the
growers in pots, rockeries, or cases, of these beautiful,
graceful, and interesting plants.

Hence a careful study of the paragraphs which are
headed — under the name of each fern, described in
these pages, — " Habitats," will throw much more light
on the subject of cultivation than the most elaborate
but merely routine directions for mixing particular
soils.

The natural food of all ferns is leaf-mould, or humus,
which is the aggregation in the form of earth of decayed
vegetable matter. This is a fact which must be carefully
E a

46 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

borne in mind in considering the economy of fern
life. But this fern food must be supplied under certain
essential conditions. There must be moisture and
more or less of shade, and, with regard to the great
majority of ferns, this moisture must be supplied in a
particular way. The soil which contains the leaf-mould
must be more or less porous, or at least of such a con-
sistency that no stagnant moisture can rest about the
roots of the ferns.

If these general circumstances are borne in mind,
there will be no difficulty in understanding what follows,
or in adapting them to the particular needs of particular
ferns ; and, to give a general and comprehensive review
of the subject, we will take the ferns in the order in
which they are mentioned in the succeeding chapters of
this volume, dealing with them singly or in groups.

The Bracken is a free-growing, deeply-rooting fern,
flourishing in the open sunshine where the soil is deep
and rich, but loving most the shade of woods, because,
under trees, the soil is both richer and moister than upon
forest glades. Hence a shady or half-shady position
upon rich, deep, moist soil will suit this handsome
fern.

In its wild state the Hartstongue is so bold and hardy
that it will grow almost anywhere, but it especially loves
stony habitats, and is small or large according as the
stones or rocks from between which it sends up its
fronds overlie shallow or deep masses of leafy soil, and
are exposed to sunshine and a free circulation of air, or
are immersed in shade in a moist atmosphere. Shaded
rockery over deep soil is the best position, therefore, for
Hartstongues.

The Lady Fern, the Hard Fern, and the Royal Fern,
though sometimes found in sunny positions, revel most
in soil that is soft, spongy, and rich, and in such
positions as secure to them shade and moist air. By
fountains or running water will suit them best where

ON THE CULTIVATION OF FERNS. 47

their fronds can come within the influence of the spray,
and the points of their roots touch the stream without
being immersed in it.

So moist is both the actual position, — adjacent to
oozing or trickling water, — and the atmosphere surround-
ing the True Maidenhair and the Annual Maidenhair, that
nothing short of the protection of glass will suffice for their
successful cultivation ; and for the former the soil should
be an extemporisation of the limestone rock and leaf-
mould and rocky detritus, out of and in which the
Maidenhair naturally grows, whilst for the latter the
imitation of the soft, rich soil of its native shady and
dripping hedge-bank will suit it best.

Soft leaf-soil under shady rocks best pleases the Wild
Parsley Fern, and a rockery habitat of as nearly a similar
kind as possible in the garden will meet its home re-
quirements. The only substitute for the dark and
dripping caverns, and the moist and shaded rocky
crevices where the Bristle Fern grows, is a close covering
of glass that excludes the outward air, and rich, sandy,
leafy soil ; and just such conditions as these are what
the Filmy Ferns require, for their natural haunts are
similar to those of Trichomanes radicans.

Moonwort and Adders-tongue seem to need the com-
panionship, for some mysterious reason, of grassy roots,
and, therefore, they should be taken up from their
native homes with the grass surrounding them, and the
attention of the cultivator must be directed as much to
the grassy accompaniments as to the ferns themselves,
that they may be kept fresh and healthy.

All the Polypodies love best moist leaf- soil, amongst
rocks ; and the garden rockery, or the rockery of the fern-
case, is the place for them.

The Shield Ferns confess the ferny love for leaf-mould,
but they like to toy with the sunshine, and hence they
are, perhaps, of all ferns placed in the garden, the most
hardy and bold, for they will thrive almost anywhere,

48 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

and survive adverse conditions that would kill many 01
their congeners.

Shady rocks with leaf-soil, too, the Bladder Ferns need
in their wild homes, and just such conditions will suit
them under culture.

The same may be said of the Woodsias, and then
we come to the Buckler Ferns, which differ amongst
themselves in habit and character. All of them best
like the shade, and a rich, porous leaf-mould soil, but
only great shade and moisture will suit the Crested and
Prickly-toothed Ferns, whilst the Marsh Buckler Fern
must grow in as well as on the water.

All the Spleenworts are rock-loving ferns ; but the
Lanceolate and the Sea Spleenworts cannot grow, out
of doors, away from the sea's influence, and, hence,
away from the sea, must be put under glass as the only
substitute for their natural condition. The Green
Spleenwort needs similar treatment, to extemporise the
state of saturation of the atmosphere, which it must
have for preservation in health and vigour. But the
rest of the Spleenworts will grow out of doors on
sheltered rockery, if planted firmly and carefully in the
crevices between the stones.

Briefly stated, these are the requirements of ferns
grown at home.

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

PLATE I.
ROYAL FERN (Osnmmia regatis). (Fertile frond,)

50 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

V. — THE BRACKEN.

Pteris aqnilina.
(Plate XL, Fig. i, page 69.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — One foot to twelve feet, ac-
cording to the more or less favourable conditions of
growth. The maximum and minimum lengths given
are both exceptional ; for, as ordinarily seen, this fern is
from two to six feet long.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots few in number,
fibrous, but somewhat fleshy, attached, along its entire
length, to the rhizoma. Rootstock, a rhizoma — brownish-
black in colour, soft, and thickly covered with short
hair — extending itself both horizontally and perpen-
dicularly ; sometimes penetrating to a depth of more
than a dozen feet. Fronds deciduous, ordinarily tri-
angular in shape, the leafy part about twice the length
of the stipes : bipinnate in small specimens ; tripinnate
in larger ones. The tripinnate may be said to be the
normal form. Pinnae, placed in nearly opposite pairs
along the rachis, and more or less acutely lance-shaped ;
pinnules acutely lance-shaped, pinnate in the lower part
(of tripinnate fronds), pinnatifid higher up, and more or
less entire at the frond apex. Lobes oblong and blunt-
pointed. Towards the apex of the frond the pinnules
are dwindled to mere lobes ; nearer it the pinnae are
also lobe-like, and a lobe terminates the frond. Lobes
concave on their undersides. Fructification marginal,
the lines of spore-cases being enclosed in double
indusia formed by elongations or distensions of the
cuticle or membranous surface of the lobes.

HABITATS. — Open commons, downs, and heaths ;
glades ; woods ; hillsides and streamsides ; hedgebanks

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

PLATE II.
BUCKLER FERN* (Lastrea dilatatfi

52 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

and fields ; islets in midstream. The Author has occa-
sionally found small specimens growing on the damp
sides of walls, but such a position is only possible for
seedling or very diminutive specimens. The Bracken
frequently covers large spaces of ground, which it ex-
clusively occupies.

WHERE FOUND. — The great abundance of the Bracken
renders it unnecessary to give a detailed list of the
localities in which it grows. The published records of
its distribution, given in the second and revised edi-
tion (1883) of Mr. Watson's "Topographical Botany,"
include every county in England, Wales, and Scotland,
except . Wigtonshire and West Ross ; but it is possibly
to be found also in these districts. It grows at various
heights, extending to two thousand feet above the sea-
level.

VI. — THE HARTSTONGUE.

Scolopendrium vulgare.
(Plate VI, Fig. i, page 59.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Extremely variable : a couple of
inches when growing on hard, dry walls, to three feet
when in very moist and congenial positions. Ordinary
lengths within these extremes.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots numerous, fibrous
and somewhat wiry. Rootstock, a tufted cormus, the
crown of which is raised slightly above the ground.
Fronds numerous, evergreen, produced in tufts, tongue-
shaped, entire, leathery and glossy, each stipes — about
one-third the length of the leafy part — usually covered
by rust-coloured scales, which often extend along the

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

PLATE III.

BLACK MAIDENHAIR SPLEENWORT (Asplminm adiantmn-
nigriitn), (Upper and Under Sides.)

54 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

under sides of the rachis. Apex of leafy part more or
less pointed ; base, heart-shaped with ear-shaped pro-
jections. Fructification produced in parallel lines, which
run obliquely from near the rachis towards the leafy
margins on either side of the rachis. Each apparent
line of spore-cases consists in reality of twin, elongated
sori placed side by side and confluent, the scaly
indusium, which covers the whole, splitting along the
centre when the spores are ripe, and disclosing the
densely-clustered, rich-brown spore-cases underneath.

HABITATS. — Shady parts of woods ; the bases, sides,
and tops of hedgebanks. This species is oftentimes
very luxuriant under the shelter of the vegetation of the
hedgetop, where it grows frequently in semi-darkness.
It grows upon banks overhanging streams ; upon rocks
and stonework, including walls of buildings and en-
closures, bridge-arches, ruins, and the sides of old wells ;
also upon cliffs overhanging the sea, always, when on
stony habitats or elsewhere, most luxuriant where water
is oozing or trickling over the rocks, or ground, on
which it grows.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in all the counties. In
Wales, in the counties of Anglesea, Brecknock, Caer-
marthen, Caernarvon, Denbigh, Flint, Glamorgan, and
Pembroke. In the Isle of Man. In Scotland, in the
following counties : — Aberdeen, Argyle, Ayr, Berwick,
Caithness, Dumfries, Inverness, Edinburgh, Elgin, Fife,
Forfar, Kincardine, Kirkcudbright, Lanark, Orkney (in-
cluding the Shetland Isles), Perth, Renfrew, Roxburgh,
Selkirk, Stirling, and Sutherland. Also in Cantyre
and the Clyde Isles. In Ireland, in the Isle of
Wight, and in the Channel Islands throughout, — the
moisture of the climates of those countries inducing a
luxuriant growth of this species, which is found at all
elevations up to six hundred feet above the sea-level.

WHERE TO FIND FER!*S» 55

PLATE IV.

COMMON POLYPODY (Polypodlum vulgare).
(Upper and Under Sides.)

$6 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

VII.— THE LADY FERN.

Athyrium filix-fcemina.
(Plate VIIL, Fig. i, page 63.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — A foot to five feet, according
to position and conditions of growth — largest in the most
moist and shady places.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots fibrous, abundant.
Rootstock, a tufted cormus, its crown raised slightly above
the surface of the ground. Fronds numerous, deciduous,
delicate, brittle, drooping, produced in tufts. Each
stipes usually much shorter than the leafy part, and
light green or purplish in colour, with a few scales
scattered upon it near the base ; leafy part lance-shaped
somewhat broadly ; bipinnate, the pinnse narrowly
lance-shaped and tapering, and placed along the rachis
alternately or in opposite pairs ; pinnules blunt-pointed,
oblong, serrated, or indented — most deeply near the frond
base, less deeply higher up. Fructification produced in
double rows of sori, one on either side of the midvein of
each pinnule, each row of sori being about equidistant
from the midvein and the edge of the pinnule. The
sori are covered by kidney-shaped indusia, which burst
and fall away on the ripening of the spores, whose cases
are then light brown in colour.

HABITATS. — The dampest and shadiest parts of woods,
especially luxuriant where water oozes over gently-slop-
ing ground ; hedgebanks, in shady lanes ; moist and
shady crannies of rocks ; the shady margins of streams,
and the sides of waterfalls.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Bedford, Berks, Buckingham, Cambridge, Chester, Corn-
wall, Cumberland, Derby, Devon, Dorset, Durham,

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

PLATE V.
SOFT PRICKLY SHIELD FERN (JPolystichnm angular?}.

58 WHERE TO FIND FERNS,

Essex, Gloucester, Hants (the mainland and the Isle
of Wight), Hereford, Hertford, Kent, Lancaster, Leices-
ter, Lincoln, Middlesex, Monmouth, Norfolk, North-
ampton, Northumberland, Nottingham, Oxford, Rutland,
Salop, Somerset, Stafford, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, War-
wick, Westmoreland, Wilts, Worcester, and York. In
Welles^ in the counties of Anglesea, Brecknock,
Caermarthen, Caernarvon, Cardigan, Denbigh, Flint,
Glamorgan, Merioneth, Montgomery, and Pembroke.
Specimens have also been found in Radnor. In the Isle
of Man. In Scotland, in the counties of Aberdeen,
Argyle, Ayr, Banff, Berwick, Bute, Caithness, Clack-
mannan, Cromarty, Dumbarton, Dumfries, Edinburgh,
Elgin, Fife, Forfar, Haddington, Inverness, Kincardine,
Kinross, Kirkcudbright, Lanark, Linlithgow, Nairn,
Orkney, Peebles, Perth, Renfrew, Roxburgh, Selkirk,
Stirling, and Sutherland ; also in the isles of Arran,
Cantire, Harris, Islay, Lewis, and North Uist. In
Ireland, in the counties of Antrim, Clare, Cork, Dublin,
Galway, and Kerry ; also in King's County, Kilkenny,
Killarney, Limerick, Louth, Waterford, and Wicklow.
In the Channel Islands, Jersey and Guernsey. It has
been found growing up to two thousand two hundred
feet above the sea-level.

VIII.— THE HARD FLRX.
Blechnnm spicant*

(Plate VI., Figs. 4 and 5, page 59.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Barren fronds, six inches to two
feet ; fertile fronds, a foot to three feet — according to the
circumstances of growth.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots wiry, fibrous, abun-
dant. Rootstock somewhat thick, creeping, and in time

WHERE TO FIND FERNS

PLATE VI.

i. HARTSTONGUE (Scolopendriitm vulgare) (Upper and Under
Side). 2. HAY-SCENTED BUCKLER FERN (Lastrea recurva)
(Upper Side). 3. RIGID BUCKLER FERN (Lastrea rigida)
(Under Side). 4. HARD FERN (Bleclimim spicanf) (Barren
Frond, Upper Side). 5. HARD FERN (Blechnum spicant}
(Fertile Frond, Under Side).

6O WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

forming a cluster of crowns that are consequently
attached to each other, the crowns being raised slightly
above the ground. Fronds numerous, leathery, upper-
sides glossy, produced in tufts, and of two kinds — barren
and fertile. Barren fronds evergreen, narrowly lance-
shaped, tapering at both ends, pinnatifid — sometimes
pinnate in their lower parts ; pinnas narrowly oblong,
blunt-pointed, attached by the whole widths of their
bases to the rachis, produced in opposite pairs or alter-
nately along on each side of the rachis ; stipes reddish-
brown, smooth, wiry, from one-fourth to one-seventh the
length of the leafy part. Fertile fronds much taller than
barren ones, deciduous ; stipes one-third and sometimes
one-half the length of leafy part ; leafy part lance-shaped,
distinctly pinnate ; pinnae long, narrow, attenuated,
drawn out to a point, in opposite pairs or alternately
placed along the rachis and curved upwards. Fructifi-
cation on fertile fronds only ; sporangia arranged in
double lines, one on each side of midvein of each pinna,
at first distinct from each other, afterwards becoming
confluent, and densely covering the under sides of the
pinnae. The sporangia are covered by elongated indusia,
which burst, when the spores are ripe, on the sides next
the midveins, and, when thrown back, the spore-cases
present a dense, rich-brown mass, ordinarily hiding the
whole of the under sides of the pinnae.

HABITATS. — Moist slopes of woods; damp, stony
crevices on hillsides and moorland heights ; stream-
margins ; the sides and bases of hedgebanks, especially
hedgebanks partly constructed of loose stones ; the
stony bases of roadside hedges ; the drier parts of bogs
and marshland ; the bases of clumps of shrubbery in
forest and woodland glades, and moist nooks of all
kinds of rocks, especially in the lowest, most moist, and
shady positions.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Bedford, Berks, Bucks, Cambridge, Chester, Cornwall,

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

PLATE VII.

I. MOUNTAIN BUCKLER FERN (Lastrea montana) (Under
Side). 2. PRICKLY-TOOTHED BUCKLER FERN (Lastrea
spimdosa) (Under Side).

F 2

62 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

Cumberland, Derby, Devon, Dorset, Durham, Essex,
Gloucester, Hants (the mainland and the Isle of Wight),
Hereford, Hertford, Kent, Lancashire, Leicester, Lin-
coln, Middlesex, Monmouth, Norfolk, Northampton,
Northumberland, Nottingham, Oxford, Rutland, Salop,
Somerset, Stafford, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Warwick,
Westmoreland, Wilts, Worcester, and York. In Wales,
in the counties of Anglesea, Brecknock, Caermarthen,
Caernarvon, Cardigan, Denbigh, Flint, Glamorgan,
Merioneth, Pembroke, and Radnor. In the Isle of
Man. In Scotland, in the counties of Aberdeen, Argyle,
Ayr, Banff, Berwick, Bute, Caithness, Clackmannan,
Cromarty, Dumbarton, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Elgin,
Fife, Forfar, Haddington, Inverness, Kincardine, Kinross,
Kirkcudbright, Lanark, Linlithgow, Nairn, Orkney (in-
cluding the Shetland Isles), Peebles, Perth, Renfrew,
Ross, Roxburgh, Selkirk, Stirling, and Sutherland ; also
in the Isles of Arran, Cantyre, Harris, Islay, Lewis, and
North Uist. In Ireland, in the counties of Antrim, Clare,
Cork, Down, Dublin, and Galway (the mainland and the
Arran Isles) ; also in King's County, Limerick, Mayo,
Tipperary, Waterford, and Wicklow. In the islands of
Jersey and Guernsey. It ascends to a height of two
thousand feet above the sea-level.

IX. — THE ROYAL FERN.

Osmunda regalis.
(Plate I., page 49.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Two feet to twelve feet,
according to more or less congenial conditions of
growth ; moist peat soil and a boggy situation in imme-
diate contiguity to water favouring and inducing the
larger growths.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots numerous, fibrous.

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

PLATE VIII.

I. LADY FERN (Athyrinm filix-famina) (Under Side). 2. TRUE

MAIDENHAIR (Adiantum capilhis-veneris) (Under Side).

3. HOLLY FERN (Polystichum lonchitis) (Upper Side).

4. HOLLY FERN (Polystichum lonchitis] (Under Side).

64 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

long, and wiry. Rootstock, a thick, tufted cormus ; large,
in proportion to the size of the plant, and prolonged
into a visible, prominent, and above-ground stem, raised
sometimes to a height of two feet in large-sized, mature
plants. The rootstock of a fern, even when not con-
spicuously raised above the soil, is really its stem,
although it does not, in such cases, convey the popular
idea of one. The stem of Osnutnda regalis really
becomes, when of large size, a trunk, and thus more
nearly than any other British species approaches the
form and character of a tree-fern. Fronds of two kinds
— barren and fertile— not very numerous, deciduous,
robust-looking, golden green, broadly lance-shaped; very
distinctly bipinnate, pinnae lance-shaped, usually placed
in opposite pairs, though sometimes alternately, upon
the rachis; pinnules an inch, more or less, in length,
oblong, blunt-pointed, in opposite pairs or alternately
placed upon the secondary rachides or midstems of the
pinnae. In the fertile fronds the upper pinnae of the
fronds have their pinnules contracted to bear the spores.
Stipes about as long as the leafy part. Fructification
usually, but not always, confined to the upper parts of
the fertile fronds, where the pinnules are contracted and
bear the globular spore-cases densely crowded upon
their under sides — so much so frequently, that the
pinnules appear like spikes of inflorescence of a rich,
yellowish-brown colour.

HABITATS. — Banks of rivers and lakes, especially in
positions close enough to the stream-edge to allow of
the roots touching the water ; marshy and boggy places,
especially where the soil consists largely of peat ; low-
lying islets, which are sometimes covered densely by
little else than plants of this species ; damp, low-lying
parts of woods ; the low-lying parts of moorlands upon
ground made marshy by the oozing of water from the
heights above ; damp meadows and fens, or other peaty
places periodically submerged.

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

PLATE IX.

i. EUROPEAN BRISTLE FERN (Trichomanes tadicans) (Upper
Side). 2. LIMESTONE POLYPODY (Polypodhtin calcareum)
(Under Side). 3. THREE-BRANCHED POLYPODY (Polypodium
dryofteris} (Under Side). 4. MOUNTAIN POLYPODY (Poly-
podium phegopteris) (Under Side).

66 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Bedford, Berks, Bucks, Cambridge, Chester, Cornwall,
Cumberland, Devon, Dorset (the mainland and the Isle
of Purbeck), Durham, Essex, Hants (the mainland and the
Isle of Wight), Hereford, Kent, Lancaster, Leicester, Lin-
coln, Middlesex, Monmouth, Norfolk, Northumberland,
Nottingham, Oxford, Rutland, Salop, Somerset, Stafford,
Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Warwick, Westmoreland, Wilts.
Worcester, and York. In Wales, in the counties of
Anglesea, Brecknock, Caermarthen, Caernarvon, Den-
bigh, Flint, Glamorgan, Merioneth, and Pembroke.
In the Isle of Man. In Scotland, in the counties of
Aberdeen, Argyle, Ayr, Berwick, Caithness, Clack-
mannan, Dumbarton, Dumfries, Fife, Forfar, Had-
dington, Kincardine, Kirkcudbright, Lanark, Linlithgowr
Orkney (including the Shetland Isles), Perth, Renfrew,
Ross, Stirling, Sutherland, and Wigton. In the isles
of Arran, Bute, Harris, Islay, Lewis, Mull, and North
Uist. In Ireland, in the counties of Clare, Cork,
Donegal, Dublin, Galway, and Kerry; also in King's
County, Mayo, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wicklow.
In Jersey. Osmunda regalis grows at various altitudes
up to a thousand feet above the sea-level.

X. — THE TRUE MAIDENHAIR.

Adiantum capillus-veneris.
(Plate VIII., Fig. 2, page 63.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Six inches to two feet, according
to position and other circumstances of growth ; but the
maximum length given is exceptional.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots black, fibrous, some-
what fleshy. Rootstock, a creeping rhizoma, slender,
covered with black scales, and extending itself along the

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

PLATE X.

I. MARSH BUCKLER FERN (Lastrea thelyptcris) (Barren Frond,
Upper Side). 2. BRITTLE BLADDER FERN (Cystopteris
fragilis) (Under Side). 3. MOUNTAIN BLADDER FERN
(Cystopteris montana} (Upper Side). 4. SEA SPLEENWORT
(Asplcmum marinuin} (Upper Side). 5. SEA SPLEENWORT
(Aspleniuin mar/nuw) (Under Side).

68 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

surface of the rock or soil upon which the plant is grow-
ing— the roots underneath holding it in position. Fronds
triangular, numerous, evergreen, delicate, usually tripin-
nate, but sometimes only bipinnate. In the tripinnate
fronds the pinnae are mostly triangular, but are some-
times variously shaped, and are divided into pinnules,
which, near the bases of the pinnae, are again divided
into distinctly-stalked, fan-shaped, more or less cleft or
indented, lobes. Towards the apices of such divided
pinnae the pinnules are not again divided, but are simply
stalked and indented. In all compound ferns there is
always less division, both of fronds, pinnae, and pinnules,
towards the apex of each frond, pinna and pinnule.
Stipes, usually about the same length as the leafy part,
purplish black, smooth, and shining. Rachis and
secondary rachides purplish black, shining, and hairlike.
Fructification marginal, produced at the outer and upper
edges of the under sides of the fertile lobes, and consist-
ing of oblong sori, covered by indusia formed by the
reflexed and blanched margins of the lobes.

HABITATS. — Cliffs at or near the sea-coast — seldom
inland. The moist hollows and crannies of limestone
rocks are the favourite habitats of this species. It
should be looked for in sea-caverns; under rocky ledges
or spurs ; in semi-dark crevices, and behind or under
the shadow of cliffside bushes or scrub. Very often it
is completely hidden by a screen of bushes or other
vegetation on the face of rocks — in such positions
growing almost in darkness. Frequently it grows on
inaccessible parts of steep cliffs ; but whenever rocks
are searched for specimens, those especial nooks
moistened by oozing or trickling streams of water, flow-
ing down or along the rocky surface, should be carefully
examined.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Salop, and Somerset only ;
the particular localities in those counties being the fol-

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

PLATE XI.

i. BRACKF.N (Pteris aqidlina} (Upper Pi rtion of Frond, Upper
Side). 2. MOONWORT (Botrychhim hinaria). 3. ADDERS-
TONGUE (Ophioglossum vulgatum). 4. LITTLE ADDERS-TONGUE
( Ophioglossum lusitanicitm).

70 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

lowing : in Cornwall, on cliffs at Carclew, at Carrick
Gladden (on the sea-coast between Hayle and St. Ives),
and upon cliffs at Penzance ; in Devonshire, near
Brixham (upon the limestone rocks of Mewstone Bay),
on cliffs at Ilfracombe, and also at Watermouth, near
Ilfracombe ; in Shropshire, at Titherston Glee Hill ; in
Somersetshire, on the Cheddar Cliffs and on the coast at
Clevedon. In Wales, in the county of Glamorgan, on
the coast at Dunraven, on Barry Island, at East
Aberthaw, and at Port Kirig. In the Isle of Man,
between Douglas and Peel, and in Glen Meay. In
Scotland, in the county of Kincardine, on the banks of
the river Carron. In Ireland, in the counties of Clare,
Galway, and Kerry : in the first-named county at Bally-
vaughan, or between that place and Gremlin Point ; in
Kerry, at Cahir Conree near Tralee ; and in Galway, at
Lough Bulard, near Urrisberg, and at Roundstone,
Connemara : also in the Arran Isles. On cliffs in
Jersey and Guernsey Adiantum capillus-veneris has also
been found.

XI. — THE ANNUAL MAIDENHAIR.

Gyninogramma leptophylla.
(Plate XII., Figs. 3 and 4, page 71.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Three to nine inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots fibrous. Rootstalk
small, tufted. Fronds annual, deciduous ; stipes from
one-third to one-half the length of leafy part, dark
brown at the base and green above ; the first fronds
shorter than the later ones and simply pinnate, the
pinnae borne on short stalks alternately on each side of
the rachis — fan-shaped and indented. The taller and

WHERE TO FIXD FERXS.

PLATE XII.

. HARD PRICKLY SHIELD FERN (Polystichum acitleatum}
(Upper Side). 2. ALPINE BLADDER FERN (Cystopteris regia)
(Under Side). 3. ANNUAL MAIDENHAIR (Gyinnogramma
leptophylla) (Upper Side). 4. ANNUAL MAIDENHAIR (Gymno-
gramma leptophylla} (Under Side). 5. PARSLEY FERN (Allo-
sorus crispus) (Barren Frond). 6. PARSLEY_FERN (Allosorns
crispus) (Fertile Frond).

72 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

later fronds bipinnate, sometimes tripinnate, the pinnae
ovate and alternate, and bearing fan-shaped, indented,
alternate pinnules. The shape of the pinnules very
much resembles that of the lobes of the True Maiden-
hair. Fructification non-indusiate, consisting of sorl
arranged in lines at the backs of the pinnules, but often
becoming confluent.

HABITATS. — The most shady and sheltered sides of
hedgebanks. It grows oftentimes amongst other dwarf
vegetation, especially in places where water trickles or
oozes over the banks.

WHERE FOUND. — No reliable evidence has been pro-
duced as to the finding of this little fern in any other
part of the British Islands than Jersey, in some localities
of which — such as St. Aubin, St. Haute, and St.
Laurence — it grows in abundance. But it is quite
possible, we think, that diligent search might lead to
this pretty little fern being found somewhere along the
south coast of England.

XII. — THE MOUNTAIN PARSLEY FERN.

Allosorus crispus.
(Plate XII., Figs. 5 and 6, page 71.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Barren fronds four to eight
inches; fertile fronds six to twelve inches, according to-
more or less congenial conditions of growth.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots numerous, fibrous,
wiry, often matted into a dense mass. Rootstock thick,
tufted, often elongating into numerous crowns. Fronds of
two kinds, both produced in dense, tufted clusters. Barren
fronds, bright green, triangular, bipinnate, and sometimes
tripinnate ; pinnae triangular, opposite or alternate ; pin-

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

PLATE XIII.

I. ALPINE POLYPODY (Polypodinm alpestre) (Upper Side). 2.
LANCEOLATE SPLEENWORT (Asplenium lanceolaiiim} (Upper
Side). 3. LANCEOLATE SPLEENWORT (Asplenium lanceolatum)
(Under Side). 4. SCALY SPLEENWORT (Asplenium ceterach)

5. SCALY SPLEENWORT (Asplenium ceterach) (Under Side).

6. ROCK SPLEENWORT (Asplenium fontanum) (Upper Side).

7. ROCK SPLEENWORT (Asplenium fontanum) (Under Side).

8. RUE-LEAVED SPLEENWORT (Asplenium rnta-muraria)
(Upper Side). 9. RUE-LEAVED SPLEENWORT (Asplenium
ruta-muraria) (Under Side).

74 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

nules wedge-shaped, alternate on opposite sides of the
secondary rachides ; lobes — in the tripinnate form —
club-shaped or wedge-shaped, and indented upon their
margins ; stipes about equal in length to the leafy part,
green, and brittle. Fertile fronds are similar in general
arrangement of parts to barren fronds, but the ultimate
divisions are contracted into oblong, rounded, spore-
bearing lobes. The stipes of each fertile frond is
frequently three times as long as the leafy part. Fructi-
fication borne upon the whole of the under sides of the
lobes of the fertile fronds, the edges of which are rolled
under so far as to meet, thus enclosing the spore-cases
in simple indusia and giving a rounded form to each
lobe. When ripe the lobes and their contents turn
brown and open to allow of the escape of the spores.

HABITATS. — Moist crevices of rocks ; spaces between
loose stones upon hillsides- — Allosorus crispus sometimes
in such positions growing in great abundance. So
thickly are plants of this species often clustered that
they have obtained the common name of " Rock
Brakes."

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Chester, Cumberland, Derby, Devon, Durham, Here-
ford, Lancaster, Northumberland, Salop, Somerset,
Westmoreland, Worcester, and York. In Wales, in the
counties of Anglesea, Caernarvon, Cardigan, Denbigh,
Glamorgan, Merioneth, Montgomery, and Radnor. In
the Isle of Man. In Scotland, in the counties of
Aberdeen, Argyle, Ayr, Berwick, Caithness, Dum-
barton, Dumfries, Elgin, Fife, Forfar, Inverness, Kin-
cardine, Kinross, Kirkcudbright, Lanark, Peebles, Perth,
Renfrew, Ross, Roxburgh, Selkirk, Stirling, and Suther-
land. In the isles of Arran, Harris, Mull, and Skye.
In Ireland, only in the counties of Antrim, Clare,
Down, and Louth. In these four counties the localities
are believed to be very few in which Allosorus crispus
has been found. They are as follows: — In Antrim, at
Carrickfergus ; in Clare, at Blackhead ; in Downshire,

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

PLATE XIV.

, CRESTED BUCKLER FERN (Lastrea cristata} (Upper Side)
2. COMMON MAIDENHAIR SPLEENWORT (Asplenium tricho-
manes} (Upper Side). 3. COMMON MAIDENHAIR SPLEEN-
WORT (Asplenium trichomanes) (Under Side). 4, GREEN
SPLEENWORT (Asplenium vtride) (Upper Side). 5. GREEN
SPLEENWORT (Asplenium viride) (Under Side). 6. ALTERNATE
SPLEENWORT (Asplenium germanicutn) (Upper Side). 7.
ALTERNATE SPLEENWORT (Asplenium germanicum) (Under
Side). 8. FORKED SPLEENWORT (Asplenium septentrional?)
(Upper Side). 9. FORKED SPLEENWORT (Asplenium sep-
tentrionale) (Under Side).

76 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

at Sleive Bignian and on the Mourne Mountains;
and in Louth, on the Carlingford Mountains. It grows at
heights reaching to three thousand five hundred feet
above the sea-level.

XIII. — T HE BRISTLE FERN.

Trichomanes radicans.
(Plate IX., Fig. i, page 65.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Six inches to a foot and a half.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots fibrous, blackish,
woolly, and numerous. Rootstock, a creeping rhizoma —
black and covered with scales — that extends itself along
upon the surface of the rocks upon which it is found
growing. Fronds evergreen, triangular, tripinnate ; stipes
— about equal in length to the leafy part or less — purplish
black, as also are the rachides. Pinnae triangular and
alternate upon the rachis ; pinnules ovate or lance-
shaped, alternate upon the secondary rachides — lobes
irregularly-shaped, but somewhat oblong, alternate, and
deeply incised or serrated. Leafy, narrow wings run along
©n either side of the stipes, rachis, and secondary rachides.
General character of the leafy texture of the frond pellucid.
Fructification in urn-shaped receptacles produced near
the ends of veins projected — bristle-like — beyond the
lobe-margins, and through and beyond the urn-shaped
ueceptacles.

HABITATS. — The wet sides of rocks and caves where
the most absolute shade prevails and the air is laden
with reeking moisture. Such habitats are essential to
the very life of this beautiful fern, whose pellucid texture

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

PLATE XV.

i. MALE FERN (Lastrea filix-mas} (Under Side). 2. OBLONG
WOODSIA (Woodsia ilvensis) (Upper Side). 3. OBLONG
WoonsiA ( Woodsia ilvensis} (Under Side). 4. ALPINE WOODSIA
(Woodsia alpina} (Under Side). 5. TUNBRIDGE FILMY FERN
(Hyinenophyllniu tiinbridgense}. 6. ONE-SIDED FILMY FERN
(Hytiienophylhtin unilaterale}.

G 2

78 WHERE TO FIND FERN-.

would shrivel up under the effects of sunshine or of a
dry atmosphere.

WHERE FOUND. — No locality in either England or
Scotland is at present generally known to possess this
fern, although it is said to have been found in Cornwall
and West Yorkshire, in Arran and Argyle. It is be-
lieved that it grows abundantly in one part of North
Wales (Merioneth is the county which has been named),
but the locality is only known to a few persons, who
have kept its whereabouts a profound secret. In Ire-
land, it has been found in the counties of Cork, Kerry,
Limerick, Waterford, and Wicklow; and in the following
localities : in Cork county, in Glendine wood ; near
Youghal, at Glenbour and Killeagh ; on rocks near
Bandon; on rocks at Ballinasy Glen and Temple Michael
Glen near Cork ; at the Clashgariffe Fall ; on rocks near
Glandore, and also near Bantry ; and on rocks on Carri-
geena Kildorrery in the north of Cork. In Kerry County,
on the Tork Mountains and at the Tork Waterfall ;
amongst the Cromaglaun Mountains ; at Glengariff in
Valentia Island ; near Dingle (on Mount Eagle) ; at
Gortgaree, between Killarney and Kenmare ; at Black-
stones, in Glouin Caragh ; and at Inveragh and Curaan
Lake, Waterville. In County Limerick, amongst the
Cumailte Mountains. In County Waterford, along the
Blackwater Valley ; and in Wicklow County, at Powers-
court Waterfall and in Hermitage Glen. In some of
these localities — the mountainous ones — it has been
found growing at a height of fifteen hundred feet above
the sea-level.

THE MOONWORT. 79

XIV. — T HE' MOONWORT.

Botrychium lunaria.
(Plate XI., Fig. 2, page 69.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Two to ten inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots few in number, thick,
and fleshy. Rootstock fleshy, small, elongated, erect
growing, tuberous. Fronds of two parts barren and
fertile : the one leafy, the other spore-bearing. A com-
mon stipes supports both from the base to about midway
on the frond where the leafy portion diverges. It consists
of a single, somewhat bluntly lance-shaped pinna, with
pairs of opposite or alternate, crescent-shaped, fan-shaped,
or half-moon-shaped pinnules. The stipes, or, strictly
speaking, the rachis, continuing upwards and beyond
the leafy pinna, terminates in a single, branched cluster
of spore-cases. Fructification — the fruitful part of the
frond is simply pinnate or bipinnate, the branches alter-
nate and again alternately branched in its lower part,
each branch bearing a small cluster of globular spore-
cases, which at the season of ripening turn from the
incipient green to a golden-brown colour.

HABITATS. — The open face of heaths, damp meadows,
and moors, amongst grass on spots somewhat elevated
but not extremely damp.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of Bed-
ford, Bucks, Cambridge, Chester, Cornwall, Cumberland,
Derby, Devon, Dorset, Durham, Essex, Gloucester,
Hants (the mainland and the Isle of Wight), Hereford,
Kent, Lancaster, Leicester, Lincoln, Monmouth, Norfolk,
Northampton, Northumberland, Nottingham, Oxford,
Rutland, Salop, Somerset, Stafford, Suffolk, Surrey,
Sussex, Warwick, Westmoreland, Wilts, Worcester, and

80 WHERE TO FIND KERN*.

York. In Wales, in the counties of Anglesea, Caer-
marthen, Caernarvon, Denbigh, Flint, Glamorgan,
Merioneth, Montgomery, Pembroke, and Radnor. In the
Isle of Man. In Scotland, in the counties of Aberdeen,
Argyle, Ayr, Banff, Berwick, Caithness, Clackmannan,
Dumbarton, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Elgin, Fife, Forfar,
Haddington, Inverness, Kincardine, Kinross, Kirkcud-
bright, Lanark, Linlithgow, Nairn, Orkney (including
Shetland), Perth, Renfrew, Ross, Roxburgh, Selkirk,
Stirling, and Wigton : also in the islands of Bute and
Skye. In Ireland, in the counties of Antrim, Cork,
Down, Galway, Londonderry, and Wicklow. It is found
at various heights up to two thousand seven hundred
feet above the sea-level.

XV. — THE ADDERS-TONGUE.

Ophioglossnm rulgatmn.
(Plate XL, Fig. 3, page 69.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Three to twelve inches, the
maximum length given being exceptional.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots Tew in number, brittle,
thick, fleshy. Rootstock erect, elongated, fleshy, small in
size. Fronds of two parts, barren and fertile, having a
common stipes — the barren part a single, oval-shaped,
entire pinna (equal in size to the circumference of a hen's
egg), the base of which forms the top of the sheath that
constitutes the upper part of the stipes and clasps the
lower part of the stem of the fertile portion of the frond.
Fructification produced in small globular spore-cases
arranged in two lines, on opposite sides of the upper
part of the fruitful branch of the frond, which thus
becomes a terminal spike of fructification.

THE LITTLE ADDERS-TONGUE. 8t

HABITATS. — Heaths, moors, pastures, amongst grass-
roots in loamy soil, and in damp positions.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of Bed-
ford, Berks, Bucks, Cambridge, Chester, Cornwall, Cum-
berland, Derby, Devon, Dorset, Durham, Essex, Glouces-
ter, Hants (the mainland and the Isle of Wight), Here-
ford, Hertford, Huntingdon, Kent, Lancaster, Leicester,
Lincoln, Middlesex, Monmouth, Norfolk, Northampton,
Northumberland, Nottingham, Oxford, Salop, Somerset,
Stafford, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Warwick, Westmore-
land, Wilts, Worcester, and York. In Wales, in the
counties of Anglesea, Caernarvon, Denbigh, Flint, Gla-
morgan, Pembroke, and Radnor. In Scotland, in the
counties of Aberdeen, Argyle, Ayr, Berwick, Clack-
mannan, Edinburgh, Elgin, Fife, Forfar, Haddington,
Kincardine, Kinross, Kirkcudbright, Lanark, Linlithgow,
Orkney (including Shetland), Perth, Renfrew, Selkirk,
and Stirling. In Ireland, in the counties of Antrim,
Armagh, Cork, Dublin, Galway, and Tipperary. It is
found growing at various heights up to a thousand feet
above the sea-level.

XVI. — THE LITTLE ADDERS-TONGUE.

Ophioglossum lusitanicum.
(Plate XL, Fig. 4, page 69.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Two to four inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots few in number, fleshy,
brittle. Rootstock small, upright in growth, fleshy, tube-
rous, elongated. Fronds of two parts, barren and fruit-
ful, consisting, upon a common stipes, of a single
narrow, entire, somewhat grass-like, barren pinna, and of
a taller branch forming a stem in continuation of the

82 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

stipes, and bearing at the upper end the fruitful spike.
There is a single barren frond (though sometimes there
may be two barren fronds on the same plant) and a single
fruitful branch, as in the case of Ophioglossum vutgatum,
to which fern the present species bears a general, though
diminutive, resemblance. Fructification — the fruitful
spike, pointed at the end, consists of two rows, one on
each side of the rachis, of rounded spore-cases — each
row consisting, usually, of about five or six of these
eases.

HABITATS. — Damp positions on heaths and on open
pastures, amongst grass-roots.

WHERE FOUND. — The only locality generally known
is the Island of Guernsey, where, in 1854, it was first
discovered in the neighbourhood of Petit Bot Bay. It
is said to have been found in Cornwall, and it is quite
possible that, owing to its inconspicuousness, it may
abound in many parts of the British Isles without having
been discovered.

XVII. — THE COMMON POLYPODY.
Polypodinm vtilgare.
(Plate IV., page 55.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Two or three inches to two feet
and a half, according to position and circumstances of
growth — the maximum length given being, however,
very exceptional, though fronds of that length have been
found by the Author. The average size of specimens is
given in most descriptions of ferns at from six to
eighteen inches — the specimens commonly encountered
being seldom more than a foot in length.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots abundant, fibrous.

THE COMMON POLYPODY. 83

Rootstock, a hairy or scaly rhizoma, which branches and
creeps in various directions upon the surface of the rock,
wall, or soil in which the plant is growing, producing
fronds from numerous points of its upper side. Fronds
evergreen, numerous, deeply pinnatifid, of a somewhat
elongated egg-shape, pointed at the apex, and divided
into long, blunt-pointed, entire pinnae, an inch or more
in length — each resembling somewhat the finger of the
hand — with deep wide clefts between each. Stipes of
varying length, green, smooth, brittle, sometimes as long
as, sometimes shorter than, and often much longer than,
the leafy part. Fructification usually confined to the
upper portion of the undersides of the pinnae, consisting
of two rows of non-indusiate, rounded sori, one on each
side of the midvein of each pinna, generally crowded,
and sometimes becoming confluent. When ripened, the
sporangia turn to a rich orange, or brown, colour.

HABITATS. — The tops and sides of rocks and walls. It
is especially luxuriant where moist seams of earth, lying
in shaded positions, afford abundant root-room, and it is
oftentimes much stunted and diminutive on the drier,
exposed, and sunny faces of rocks and walls. Old walls
falling into ruin are always found to have accumulated
soil between their loose stones. Should trees be growing
around, this accretion of soil will be largely composed
of leaf-mould, and upon the shadowy sides of such walls
all rock or wall-growing ferns will be found in the
greatest state of vigour and luxuriance. The Common
Polypody grows also in the forks of old trees where leaf-
mould has accumulated; upon tree-stumps raised above,
or almost level with, the ground; in the sides and upon
the tops of hedgebanks, amongst loose stones, or in the
stumps, trunks, forks, or hollows of trees growing
in hedgebanks. Pollard-trees in hedgebanks afford
favourite habitats of this fern. Old bridge-arches, and
indeed all old or decaying stonework, are, similarly,
favourable positions for Polypodium vulgare. Wherever,

84 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

in short, leaf-mould has accumulated in stony or woody
places, it may be looked for, as its creeping, vigorous
rhizomas love to occupy the congenial habitats which
shade and a leaf-soil provide.

WHERE FOUND. — In every county of England, Wales,
Scotland, and Ireland ; in the Isle of Man, and the
Channel Islands, growing in many places in extreme
abundance. Polypodium vulgare, Lastrea filix-mas (the
Male Fern), and Pteris aquilina (the Bracken) are the
most plentiful and widely-distributed of all British ferns.

XVIII. — THE MOUNTAIN POLYPODY.

Polypodium phegopteris.
(Plate IX., Fig. 4, page 65.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Six inches to a foot and a half
or twenty inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots fibrous, somewhat
long, and numerous. Rootstock, a rhizoma, slender but
vigorous, creeping extensively and horizontally along or
just underneath the soil. Fronds delicate, herbaceous,
abundant, springing from numerous points along the
upper sides of the rhizomas ; stipes delicate, pale green,
slender, brittle, about double the length of the leafy
part; leafy part triangular, often pinnate in its lower part,
pinnatifid higher up. Pinnae ordinarily in opposite pairs
and pinnatifid, the pinnules nearest the main rachis
being sometimes again pinnate in the lowest pair of
pinnse, which ordinarily hang downwards in a peculiar
manner distinct from the others. The form of the pinnae
in the lower part of the frond is somewhat lance-shaped,
their bases tapering towards the rachis and their apices

THE MOUNTAIN POLYPOUV. 85

drawn out to somewhat acute points. Fructification
distributed equally over every part of the frond and
almost marginal, consisting of two rows of non-indusiate,
rounded sori, one on each side of the midvein of each
pinnule.

HABITATS. — Damp woods in mountainous districts,
or in country that is more or less hilly ; the margins of
mountain or moorland streams ; the immediate vicinity
of waterfalls, in the fine spray of which this beautiful
species delights ; moist nooks in rocks, especially in the
neighbourhood of water. The habitats of Polypodiuin
phegopteris are essentially shady.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Chester, Cornwall, Cumberland, Derby, Devon, Dorset,
Durham, Gloucester, Hereford, Lancaster, Monmouth,
Northumberland, Salop, Somerset, Stafford, Sussex,
Westmoreland, Wilts, and York. In the Isle of Man.
In Wales, in the counties of Brecknock, Caermarthen,
Caernarvon, Cardigan, Denbigh, Glamorgan, Merioneth,
Montgomery, and Radnor. In Scotland, in the counties
of Aberdeen, Argyle, Ayr, Banff, Berwick, Caithness,
Clackmannan, Dumbarton, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Elgin,
Fife, Forfar, Inverness, Kincardine, Kinross, Kirkcud-
bright, Lanark, Linlithgow, Orkney (including Shetland),
Perth, Renfrew, Ross, Roxburgh, Selkirk, Stirling, and
Sutherland; also in the isles of Cantyre, Islay, and
Mull. In Ireland, it is found only in the counties of
Antrim, Donegal, Down, Galway, Kerry, Londonderry,
Louth, and Wicklow. It is found growing at various
heights up to three thousand five hundred feet above
the sea-level.

86 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

XIX. — THE THREE-BRANCHED POLYPODY.

Polypodiinn dryoptcris.
(Plate IX., Fig. 3, page 65.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Six to twelve inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots fibrous, delicate, nu-
merous. Rootstock, a slender, somewhat black rhizoma,
which creeps extensively, in a horizontal direction, upon
or just underneath the soil. Fronds triangular, abundant,
springing from numerous points of the rhizomas, delicate,
brittle, golden green, herbaceous, each with a slender,
brittle, pale-green stipes and a three-branched leafy part,
about half the length of the stipes ; rachis and rachides
also very slender, delicate, and brittle. The branches of
the frond grow at right angles to each other, and each is,
itself, more or less triangular in shape, with a clear space of
stem between it and the point of attachment to the rachis.
The two lower branches are ordinarily pinnate at and near
the base and pinnatifid higher up, and are divided into
pairs of oblong, more or less deeply-indented pinnules,
the lower ones (near the main rachis) of each pair being
longer than the upper cnes. The upper branch is
divided into opposite pairs of more or less deeply-cleft
pinnae, which become gradually merged into each other
towards the apex of the branch that forms the apex of
the frond. Fructification produced in rows of non-
indusiate sori, one row on each side of the midvein of
pinnule or pinna, according to the size and development
of the plant.

HABITATS. — Slightly less moist than those of Polypo-
dium phegopteris : shady woods amongst underwood and
in rocky crevices ; streamsides and shady hedgebanks in
hilly, moorland, or mountainous districts.

THE LIMESTONE POLYPODY. 87

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Chester, Cornwall, Cumberland, Derby, Devon, Durham,
Gloucester, Hereford, Lancaster, Lincoln, Monmouth,
Northumberland, Oxford, Salop, Somerset, Stafford,
Sussex, Warwick, Westmoreland, Worcester, and York.
In Wales, in the counties of Anglesea, Brecknock,
Caernarvon, Cardigan, Denbigh, Flint, Glamorgan,
Merioneth, Montgomery, Pembroke, and Radnor. In
Scotland, in the counties of Aberdeen, Argyle, Ayr,
Banff, Berwick, Caithness, Clackmannan, Dumbarton,
Dumfries, Edinburgh, Elgin, Fife, Forfar, Inverness,
Kincardine, Kinross, Kirkcudbright, Lanark, Linlithgow,
Nairn, Peebles, Perth, Renfrew, Ross, Roxburgh, Sel-
kirk, Stirling, and Sutherland. In the isles of Arran and
Mull, and in Shetland. In Ireland, only in the counties
of Antrim, Down, Galway, and Kerry. It ' is found
growing up to and at elevations of two thousand seven
hundred feet above the sea-level.

XX. — THE LIMESTONE POLYPODY.

Polypodium calcareum.
(Plate IX., Fig. 2, page 65.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Eight to eighteen inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots black, numerous
fibrous. Rootstock, a rhizoma branched, slender, black,
extensively creeping. Fronds abundant, triangular,
bluish-green, produced from numerous points of the
upper sides of the rhizomas ; less fragile than those of
Polypodium dryopteris ; stipes of varying lengths,
generally longer than the leafy part, pale green, bipin-
nate, and, in large and luxuriant specimens, tripinnate ;

38 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

pinnae in pairs or alternate upon the rachis ; lowest pair
of pinnae somewhat narrowly triangular, pinnate and
sometimes bipinnate at their bases, and divided into
opposite or alternate, oblong, and somewhat cone-shaped
pinnules, which are more or less deeply cleft into narrow,
oblong, blunt-pointed lobes. The succeeding and upper
pairs of pinnae are less and less divided, on the same
principle, as they near the apex of the frond, the divi-
sions of the several pinnae being similarly less and less
towards their apices. This principle of gradation is
always observed in all ferns — the divisions or indenta-
tions of all the parts of fronds being less and less from
base to apex of frond, pinna, pinnule, lobe, or serrature.
As in Polypodium dryopteris, the lower pairs of pinnae
have their lower pinnules longer and more developed
than those on the upper sides of their respective
secondary rachides. Fructification marginal on the lobes
or pinnules — according to the size and development of
the pinnae — and bearing a strong general resemblance to
the arrangement of the fructification of the Bracken.
But in Polypodium calcareum the sporangia are non-
indusiate. The fructification is spread equally over the
whole under surface of the frond, the pinnules of which
are concave on their under sides, giving to them a curled,
crisped appearance.

HABITATS. — Limestone districts, in moist crevices of
limestone rocks and amongst loose limestones. It
prefers shady positions especially for its roots, but it
will oftentimes be found growing in places that arc
somewhat sunny.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Bucks, Cumberland, Derby, Durham, Gloucester, Here-
ford, Lancaster, Oxford, Salop, Somerset, Stafford,
Westmoreland, Wilts, Worcester, and York. In Wales,
in the counties of Brecknock, Caernarvon, Denbigh, and
Glamorgan. In Scotland, it is said to have been found
growing wild in the counties of Aberdeen and Perth,

THE ALPINE POLYPODY. 89

but it is believed to be extremely rare in that country.
In Ireland, no plants of this species have been found.
In Britain, Polypodium cakareum grows at various
heights up to twelve hundred feet above the sea-level.

XXL — THE ALPINE POLYPODY.

Polypodium alpestre.
(Plate XIII., Fig. i, page 73.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — One foot to three feet and a
half.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots fibrous, abundant.
Rootstock, a cormus, erect, short, tufted. Fronds broad,
lance-shaped, drawn out to a point at the apex, and
considerably narrowed towards the base ; bipinnate ;
pinnae alternate on the rachis, narrow, pointed, sym-
metrical, divided into pairs of oblong, somewhat blunt-
pointed, and deeply-indented pinnules. Stipes short,
with a few light-coloured scales scattered upon it. This
fern was for a long time confounded with the Lady
Fern, Athyrium filix-fcemina, but it was distinguished
from that species and included amongst the Polypodies
in 1841, having been discovered in that year by Mr.
Hewett C. Watson. Fructification distinct from Athy-
rium filix-fcemina, and consisting of round, non-indusiate
sori usually produced in two rows along each pinnule, a
sorus being placed ordinarily in those parts of the pin-
nules immediately contiguous to the bases of the notches
between the lobes.

HABITATS.— Shady rocks and streamsides ; often
covering considerable spaces of ground in mountainous
districts.

90 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

WHERE FOUND. — Only in Scotland, in the counties of
Aberdeen, Argyle, Banff, Forfar, Inverness, Perth, and
Sutherland, occurring at elevations reaching from twelve
hundred to three thousand six hundred feet above the
sea-level, in company with, and in similar positions to,
Athyrium filix-famina until the highest range of that
species is reached, when Polypodhtm alpestre occurs
alone in the higher elevations.

XXII. — THE HARD PRICKLY SHIELD FERN.

Polystichum aculeatmn.
(Plate XII., Fig. x, page 71.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — One to four feet.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots long, fibrous, tough,
abundant. Rootstock, a large, tufted cormus, the crown
of which is raised above the ground. Fronds lance-
shaped, leathery in texture, dark green, produced in a
circle around the crown, which, with the short stipes, is
thickly covered with rust-coloured or reddish-brown
scales that are usually thickly scattered upon the rachis
and also upon the secondary rachides. Leafy part of
frond bipinnate ; pinnae alternate, lance-shaped, divided
into alternate, wing-shaped, serrated, and bristly pin-
nules, attached by their bases, more or less narrowed, to
the secondary rachides or midstems of the pinnae. The
pinnules, separate and distinct from each other at the
inner ends of the pinnae, are decurrent or merged into
each other at their bases, towards and at the apices of
the pinnae. The upper pinnule on each pinna situated
next the principal rachis is larger than any of the others
on the same pinna, and its apex sometimes overlaps the

THE HARD PRICKLY SHIELD FERN. QI

base of the pinnule next above it. Fructification pro-
duced in rows — one on each side of the midvein of
each pinnule, or, towards the apex of the frond and
towards the apex of the pinna, on each side of the
midveins of the pinna? themselves — of round sori,
covered by round indusia.

HABITATS. — The sloping ground of woods where
shaded by trees or dwarfer growths ; the sides of hedge
and other embankments which make the boundaries of
shady lanes : the sides of hills, especially where frag-
ments of rock and sheltering shrubs cover ground
enriched by leaf-mould. Dwarf specimens or seedlings,
may sometimes be found upon walls ; but such positions
are exceptional, as only depths of rich earth can afford
the root-room required by large and luxuriant plants of
this species.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Bedford, Berks, Bucks, Cambridge, Chester, Cornwall,
Cumberland, Derby, Devon, Dorset, Durham, Essex,
Gloucester, Hants (the mainland and the Isle of Wight),
Hereford, Hertford, Kent, Lancaster, Leicester, Lincoln,.
Middlesex, Monmouth, Norfolk, Northampton, Northum-
berland, Nottingham, Oxford, Salop, Somerset, Stafford,
Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Warwick, Westmoreland, Wilts,
Worcester, and York. In Wales, in the counties of
Anglesea, Brecknock, Caermarthen, Caernarvon, Den-
bigh, Flint, Glamorgan, and Pembroke. In the Isle of
Man. In Scotland, in the counties of Aberdeen, Argyle,
Ayr, Berwick, Caithness, Clackmannan, Dumfries,
Edinburgh, Elgin, Fife, Forfar, Haddington, Inverness,
Kincardine, Kinross, Kirkcudbright, Lanark, Nairn,
Orkney, Peebles, Perth, Renfrew, Ross, Roxburgh,
Selkirk, Stirling, and Sutherland : also in the isles of
Bute, Cantyre, and Islay. In Ireland, in the counties
of Antrim, Clare, Dublin, Galway, and Wicklow. It
is found in Jersey. It ascends to two thousand five
hundred feet above the sea-level.

92 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

XXIII. — THE SOFT PRICKLY SHIELD FERN. -
Polystichum angulare.
(Plate V., page 57.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — One to four feet.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots long, fibrous, abun-
dant. Rootstock) a thick, tufted cormus. the crown being
raised above the ground. Fronds lance-shaped, somewhat
soft in texture, light green, sometimes golden green,
though at times much darker in colour, produced in a
circle around the crown, which with the short stipides —
each stipes being about one-fourth the length of the
leafy part of the frond— is densely covered with rust-
coloured scales. These are continued thickly upon the
rachis and also frequently upon the secondary rachides.
Leafy part of frond bipinnate, pinnae alternate, lance-
shaped, divided into angular, slightly-indented, and
somewhat hairy pinnules, each of which is distinctly
stalked, though the stalk is short. The pinnules are
alternate upon the secondary rachides. The entire
aspect of the fronds of Polystichum angulare is more lax
and drooping than that of Polystichum aculeatum, and
the pinnules are more distinctly angular than those of
its congener, though in some other respects the two
species very much resemble each other. Fructification
produced in rows of sori, one row on each side of the
midvein of each pinnule. The sori are round, and are
covered in their early stage by round indusia, which fall
off when the ripening of the spores is completed.

HABITATS. — Woods, in all kinds of positions upon
the ground, growing oftentimes luxuriantly under trees,
or wherever there are rich deposits of leaf-soil ; stream-
sides, in the shade ; lanes, upon the sides and tops of

THE HOLLY FERN. 93

hedgebanks ; hillsides, amongst shrubs and broken
rocks ; the long, sloping sides of cuttings which border
roadsides in hilly country ; and the hedgebanks which
run on either side of roadways. Polystichum angulare
is oftentimes found in great abundance.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cornwall, Cumberland, Derby,
Devon, Dorset, Durham, Essex, Gloucester, Hants (the
mainland and the Isle of Wight), Hereford, Hertford.
Huntingdon, Kent, Lancaster, Leicester, Middlesex,
Norfolk, Northumberland, Salop, Somerset, Stafford,
Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Warwick, Westmoreland, Wilts,
Worcester, and York. In Wales, in the counties of
Anglesea, Brecknock, Caermarthen, Caernarvon, Car-
digan, Denbigh, Flint, Glamorgan, Pembroke, and
Radnor. In the Isle of Man. In Scotland, only in the
counties of Ayr, Argyle, Berwick, and Roxburgh. In
Ireland, in the counties of Antrim, Clare, Cork, Dublin,
Galway, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wicklow.
Also in the Arran Isles. It grows also in Jersey and
Guernsey. It is found growing at various heights up to
two thousand five hundred feet above the sea-level.

XXIV.— THE HOLLY FERN.

Polystichum lonchitis.
(Plate VIII., Figs. 3 and 4, page 63.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Six inches to two feet.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots fibrous, wiry, tough.
Rootstock, a tufted, somewhat thick cormus. Fronds
narrowly lance-shaped, evergreen, rigid, leathery, spiny,
simply pinnate, each frond strongly resembling a pinna

H 2

94 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

of Polystichum angidare. The serrated, bristly pinna;
are alternate along and on opposite sides of the rachis,
and wing-shaped, and are attached to the rachis by their
narrowed bases, the upper portion of each pinna next
the rachis ordinarily overlapping the base of the pinna
next above it; stipes very short and scaly. Fructification
usually present only on the upper sides of the fronds,
and consisting of rows — one on each side of the midvein
of each pinna — of round sori, covered, when the spore-
cases are young, by round indusia. The sori are usually
so arranged that they form an acute angle on the under-
side of each fruitful pinna, the angle being at the apex
of each pinna, the lines which form it widening out
towards the base.

HABITATS. — Mostly in localities not less than a thou-
sand feet above the sea-level ; in such localities it grows
in moist, rocky fissures, and is oftentimes firmly and im-
movably wedged into stony crevices.

WHKRE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Cumberland, Durham, Northumberland, Westmoreland,
and York. The particular localities in three of these
counties are the following : in Cumberland, at Fairfield,
Helvellyn ; in Durham, on the Falcon Glints, Teesdale,
some ten miles westward of Middleton, and also on the
Mazebeck Scar ; in the county of York, on Attermire
Scar ; in the neighbourhoods of Giggleswick and Ingle-
borough, and (near Settle) at Langcliffe. In Wales, in
Caernarvon, Glamorgan, and Merioneth. In Caernarvon,
the neighbourhoods of Clogwyn-y-garnedd, of Cwm-
Idwal, of Glyder-Vawr, and of Twll-du. In Merioneth,
it has been found (on Cader Idris) by Mr. Franklin T.
Richards. In Scutland, in the counties of Aberdeen,
Argyle, Banff, Caithness, Dumbarton, Elgin, Forfar,
Inverness, Orkney, Perth, Ross, Stirling, and Suther-
land ; also in the Isle of Mull, on Ben More. The
special localities of some of these countries are these :
in the county of Forfar, on the Clova Mountains, Can-

THE BRITTLE BLADDER FERN. 95

lochen, on Craig Maid, in Glen Isla, in Glen Dole, and
in Glen Fiadh ; in the county of Inverness, amongst the
mountains and rocks near Loch Erricht ; in the county
of Perth, on Ben Chonzie, near Crieff, on Ben Lawers,
on Ben Voirlich, on Craig Challiach, and in Glen Lyon.
In the county of Ross, near Castle Leod, on the Raven
Rock ; and in the county of Sutherland, at Assynt and
on Ben Hope. In Ireland, in the counties of Donegal,
Kerry, Leitrim, Meath, and Sligo ; and in the following
places : to the east of Lough Eske, in a glen on the
Rosses, and in the Thanet mountain passes. In Kerry,
on Brandon Hill ; in Leitrim, on the Glenade Moun-
tains ; in Meath, at Navan, and in Sligo, on the Ben
Bulben Mountains. The Holly Fern is found at
heights ranging from a thousand feet above the sea-
level to three thousand two hundred feet above it.

XXV. — THE BRITTLE BLADDER FERN.

Cystopteris frag His.
(Plate X., Fig. 2, page 67.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Six to fourteen inches, depend-
ing on the character of its habitats.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots black, fibrous, wiry,
numerous. Rootstock, a small, tufted cormus, which
spreads laterally, forming several adjacent crowns.
Fronds in numerous tufts from each crown, delicate-
green, brittle, herbaceous ; stipes of varying lengths, very
brittle ; leafy part broadly lance-shaped, bipinnate, the
ovate pinnae alternate or in pairs along the rachis, and
divided into irregularly-alternate, ovate pinnules, which
are again divided into rounded, oblong, much-indented

96 WHERE TO FIND FERN-.

lobes. Fructification irregularly but abundantly distri-
buted over the under sides of the lobes, and consisting
of roundish sori, covered by inflated, bladder-like or
hood-like indusia, attached each by one side— that
towards the base of the lobe — and falling off when the
spores are ripened. The sori then frequently become
confluent, and cover the entire under sides of the fronds
with their rich-brown fructification.

HABITATS. — Shady and moist crevices of rocks, espe-
cially limestone rocks ; though, owing to its hardiness,
this species may be found in other rocky habitats. Its
rootstocks are often so firmly ensconced in the stony
chinks it loves best as to render their extraction difficult
or impossible ; but in other cases, when growing amongst
loose stones, it is easily obtainable. It grows also on
walls and on stony banks, always preferring their shady
sides.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Chester, Cornwall, Cumberland, Derby, Devon, Dorset,
Durham, Essex, Gloucester, Hereford, Kent, Lancaster,
Leicester, Middlesex, Monmouth, Norfolk, Northampton,
Northumberland, Nottingham, Salop, Somerset, Stafford,
Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Warwick, Westmoreland, Wilts,
Worcester, and York. In Wales, in the counties of An-
glesea, Brecknock, Caerrnarthen, Caernarvon, Cardigan,
Denbigh, Flint, Glamorgan, Merioneth, Montgomery,
and Radnor. In Scotland, in the counties of Aberdeen,
Argyle, Ayr, Banff, Berwick, Caithness, Clackmannan,
Dumbarton, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Elgin, Fife, Forfar,
Haddington, Inverness, Kincardine, Kinross, Kirkcud-
bright, Lanark, Linlithgow, Nairn, Orkney, Perth,
Renfrew, Ross, Roxburgh, Selkirk, Stirling, and Suther-
land : also in the Hebrides. In Ireland, in the counties
of Antrim, Cork, Down, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Sligo,
and Wicklow. It is found growing at various heights
up to nearly four thousand feet above the sea-level.

THE ALPINE BLADDER FERN. 97

XXVI. — THE ALPINE BLADDER FERN.

Cystopteris regia.
(Plate XII., Fig. 2, page 71.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Four to ten inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots fibrous, black, wiry,
numerous. Rootstock, a small, tufted cormus. Fronds
numerous, brittle, herbaceous, delicate, produced in
tufts ; stipes ordinarily short ; leafy portion somewhat
broadly lance-shaped, bipinnate ; pinnae — in opposite
pairs upon the rachis or alternate — short, ovate, and
again divided into bluntly-ovate, deeply-incised pinnules.
This fern resembles a rounded form of Cystopteris
fragilis. Fructification produced abundantly over all
the under-surface of the frond, and consisting of round
sori covered by the hood-like indusia, each sorus keep-
ing itself distinct from the others. Hence the sori of
this species do not become confluent, as frequently do
those of Cystopteris fragilis.

HABITATS. — The moist fissures of rocks and the
earthy seams of old walls.

WHERE FOUND. — This fern has been discovered in
very few localities in Britain, though it is quite possible
that it is much more plentiful than is generally supposed.
The places where it has been found growing in England
are in the counties of Cumberland, Derby, Durham,
Essex, and York ; at Saddleback in Cumberland, and
at Low Leyton in Essex, in which last-named place it
was found upon an old wall from which it has now dis-
appeared. In Wales, it is said to have been found at
Cwm-Idwal and on Snowdon ; and on Ben Lawers in
Scotland.

98 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

XXVII. — THE MOUNTAIN BLADDER FERN.

Cystopteris montani.
(Plate X., Fig. 3, page 67.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Four to ten inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots fibrous, not very
abundant. Rootstock, a rhizoma, which creeps consider-
ably in a horizontal direction, thin and dark-coloured.
Fronds abundant, bright green, brittle, herbaceous,
produced from numerous points along the rhizoma ;
stipes about twice the length of the leafy part, which is
somewhat triangular in general form and tripinnate in
its lower part, though bipinnate higher up. Pinnre
alternate or opposite, generally the former, on the
rachis. The basal pinnules of the two lowest pinna?
are much longer on the lower than on the upper sides
of their midstems or secondary rachides, and these
elongated pinnules are again divided into alternate, egg-
shaped, and deeply-indented lobes, thus becoming tri-
pinnate. The remaining pinnules are less and less
divided both towards the apex of the frond and towards
the apices of their respective pinnae. Fructification
abundant upon the fronds, and consisting of round sori,
covered, when young, by the bladder-like or hood-like
indusia which are characteristic of the genus Cystopteris.

HABITATS. — Rocky fissures in mountainous districts
and the rocky margins of mountain streams. Where
rich leaf-mould has collected in such fissures, this species
grows luxuriantly, always preferring the most complete
shade.

WHERE FOUND. — In Scotland, only in the counties ot
Aberdeen, Forfar, and Perth ; the particular districts in
the two last-named counties being in Canlochen, at the

THE OBLONG WOODSIA. 99

head of Glen Isla, in Forfarshire, and on Ben Lawers,
and at Corrach Dh' Oufillach, between Glen Lochy and
Glen Dochart, in the county of Perth. But it is possibly
much more abundant than these rare " finds " would
seem to indicate.

XXVIIL— THE OBLONG WOODSIA.

Woodsia ilvensis.
(Plate XV., Figs 2 and 3, page 77.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Two to six inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots fibrous, wiry. Root-
stock small, tufted. Fronds numerous, brittle, deciduous,
thick and woolly in texture, produced in clusters from
the crown ; stipes of varying lengths, generally rather
short, jointed, reddish, breaking off when the fronds
begin to decay a little distance above the crown ; leafy
parts hairy or woolly, oblong, lance-shaped, pinnate;
pinnae opposite or alternate, oblong, egg-shaped, short,
pinnatifid, and divided into small, blunt-pointed pinnules,
the incisions between which reach down almost to the
midstems of the pinnae. Fructification consisting of
spore -cases somewhat marginal upon the undersides of
the pinnules, and provided with indusia which lie as a
sort of scales under the sori, with a fringed margin, which
is spread over them. The thickly hair-covered under-
surfaces of the pinnules afford a sort of shelter for the
sporangia.

HABITATS. — Moist crevices of rocks in mountainous
districts at such altitudes as lie between twelve hundred
and three thousand feet above the sea-level.

WHERE FOUND. — InEngland, in the counties of Cum-
berland, Durham, Westmoreland, and York; in Durham,

100 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

on basaltic rocks in the neighbourhood of Cauldron
Snout and on Falcon Glints, Teesdale. In Wales, in the
counties of Caernarvon and Merioneth ; in Caernarvon-
shire, at the pass of Llanberis amongst limestone rocks :
also on rocks at Clogwyn-y-Garnedd and in similar
positions at the little Dog's Lake (Llyn-y-Cwm) near
Glyder Vawr. Here the plants have been reputed to be
abundant, but difficult of access, owing to the steepness
of the rocks. In Scotland, in the counties of Dumfries,
Elgin, Forfar, and Perth ; and in the following localities
in those counties : in Dumfries, at the " Devil's Beef-
tub," upon rocks in a ravine near Loch Skene, at a farm
called Corehead near Moffatt, and upon hills near
Moffatt; also amongst crumbling rocks upon hills divid-
ing Dumfries from Peebles ; in Elgin, near Forres ; in
Forfar, in Glen Fiadh amongst the Clova Mountains.
It is also found on rocks upon Ben Chonzie, near Crieff,
and its other habitats in Perthshire are on Ben Lawers.
It has not been recorded as having been found in
Ireland : but it is quite possibly present in many localities,
where it has not been discovered by botanists who are
in the habit of publishing their " finds."

XXIX.— THE ALPINE WOODSIA.

Woodsia alpina.
(Plate XV., Fig. 4, page 77.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — One to six inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots slender, fibrous, wiry.
Rootstock slender, tufted. Fronds small, thick, leathery,
hairy — but less hairy than Woodsia ilvensis — numerous,
produced in tufts from the crown, pinnate, lance-shaped:
stipes rather short, slightly hairy; pinna? short, in pairs

THE ALPINE WOODSIA. IO1

or alternate, sometimes distant from each other, egg-
shaped, and divided into two or three rounded, blunt
pinnules, or, in small plants, lobes, the clefts between
them being more or less deep according to their size.
Fructification produced upon the margins of the pin-
nules, and protected by indusia in the form of scales,
which lie under the sori and have fringed margins, which
are spread over them, as already indicated in the case of
the species last described. But in Woodsia alpina the
undersides of the pinnules are less hairy than are those
of the Oblong Woodsia, and the sporangia are con-
sequently better seen.

HABITATS. — Similar to those of its congener Woodsia
ilvensis, namely, moist crevices of rocks at altitudes
between twelve hundred and three thousand feet above
the sea-level.

WHERE FOUND. — Only in Wales and Scotland. In
Wales, in the county of Caernarvon only; on the eastern
side of Snowdon in a rocky chasm called Clogwyn-y-
Garnedd, and on limestone rocks at Moel Lechog at
the pass of Llanberis. In Scotland, in the counties of
Dumfries, Forfar, and Perth — the habitats in Forfarshire
being in Glen Fiadh, on the Clova Mountains, and in
Glen Isla ; and in Perthshire, on Ben Chonzie (near
Crieff), on Ben Lawers, at Catiaghiamman, on Craig
Challiach, and at Mael-dun-crosk. But, as with other
reputedly " rare " ferns, it is quite possible that it is
much more plentiful than is generally supposed.

102 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

XXX.— THE MALE FERN.

Lastrea filix-mas.
(Plate XV., Fig. i, page 77.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — One foot to five feet, according
to its more or less congenial conditions of growth.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots abundant, long, wiry,
fibrous. Rootstock, a large, tufted cormus, whose crown
is sometimes raised several inches above the ground, and
is always raised to some extent. Fronds broadly lance-
shaped, numerous, rigid, thick, bold-looking, somewhat
leathery, produced in a circle around the crown, shuttle-
cock-shape ; stipes usually very short — not exceeding a
sixth of the length of the leafy part — densely covered,
as is the crown of the rootstock and the under (and
sometimes the upper) sides of the rachides, by rust-
coloured scales, which often extend in smaller form and
less thickly to the under sides of the rachides or mid-
stems of the pinnae ; leafy part pinnate in small speci-
mens and partially bipinnate in more luxuriant ones ;
pinnae placed on the rachis in opposite pairs, or alter-
nately, long, tapering, and pointed, widest at their bases,
becoming smaller gradually outwards, and again divided
into oblong, somewhat short, blunt pinnules closely set
together with great regularity — so much so that their
apices form almost straight lines. These symmetrical
pinnae are either pinnate or pinnatifid — some being the
one and some the other in finely-developed specimens —
the tendency to division being always less towards the
apex of the frond and towards the apices of the pinnae.
Fructification usually confined to upper half of under side
of frond, and consisting of rows of sori, a row on each
side of the midvein of each pinnule — each sorus being

THE BROAD BUCKLER FERN. 103

covered by a kidney-shaped indusium attached by its
notched side, but falling off when the spores are ripe.

HABITATS. — Woods, glades, commons, heaths,
streamsides, hillsides, rocks, walls, cliffs, banks and
mounds, and green lanes — growing in almost every
imaginable position. The ground under trees in woods;
sloping ground of open parts of woods or forests ; rocky
embankments ; the ground under forest undergrowth ;
the sides of waterfalls ; hedgetops ; hedgesides ; ditches
where there is motion in the water. This species some-
times grows in the shade, often in the full sunshine — a
pigmy when found on walls or other " stony places "
where there is no depth of earth — a giant (amongst its
kind) when in shadow in a vapour-laden atmosphere
and in congenial soil. It grows, in short, almost every-
where.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, Wales, Scotland, Ire-
land, and all the British Isles, large or small, this
abundant fern is found. No soil on which fern-life is at
all possible is likely to be foreign to Lastrea filix-mas.
From the sea-level at various altitudes up to two
thousand five hundred feet above it, the Male Fern is
abundantly distributed.

XXXI. — THE BROAD BUCKLER FERN.

Lastrea dilatata.
(Plate II., page 51.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — One to six feet.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots abundant, fibrous,
wiry. Rootstock, a large, tufted cormus, its crown raised
a little above the surface of the soil. Fronds deciduous,
produced around the crown, dark green, arching, nume-

104 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

rous, broadly lance-shaped, sometimes nearly triangular,
tripinnate at the base, and bipinnate above; stipes of
varying lengths half as long, a third as long, or the
same length as the leafy part, scattered over with dark-
coloured scales ; pinnae opposite or alternate along the
rachis, narrowly triangular in shape, and divided into
oblong pinnules alternate on the secondary rachides,
the pinnules being again divided into larger or smaller
sharply-incised lobes, whose under sides are concave.
The two pinnae at the base of the frond have the pin-
nules on the under sides of their midstems longer than
those above them, and more developed (being con-
sequently tripinnate). The next pair or two above
partake slightly of the same character, and the pinnules
gradually become equal on both sides towards the apex
of the frond. Fructification in rows of small sori, one
on each side of each pinnule or lobe, according to the
size and development of the pinnae, scattered pretty
evenly over the under surface of the frond, and covered,
in its early stage, by kidney-shaped indusia, which fall
away when the spores have ripened.

HABITATS. — Woods, lanes, hedgebanks, streamsides.
It grows with greatest luxuriance in the shade, and in
positions where accumulations of leaf-mould have been
formed. Small specimens may sometimes be found
on rocks and even on old walls, but these are not the
natural habitats of this species, which requires a depth
of rich earth and a sloping position to acquire its finest
proportions.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Berks, Bucks, Cambridge, Chester, Cornwall, Cumber-
land, Derby, Devon, Dorset, Durham, Essex, Gloucester,
Hants (the mainland and the Isle of Wight), Hereford,
Hertford, Kent, Lancaster, Leicester, Lincoln, Middle-
sex, Monmouth, Norfolk, Northampton, Northumber-
land, Nottingham, Oxford, Salop, Somerset, Stafford,
Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Warwick, Westmoreland, Wilts,

THE HAY-SCENTED BUCKLER FERN. 105

\Vrorcester, and York. In Wales, in the counties of
Anglesea, Brecknock, Caermarthen, Caernarvon, Car-
digan, Denbigh, Flint, Glamorgan, Merioneth, Pembroke,
and Radnor. In Scotland, in the counties of Aberdeen,
Argle, Ayr, Banff, Berwick, Caithness, Clackmannan,
Dumbarton, Edinburgh, Elgin, Fife, Forfar, Haddington,
Inverness, Kincardine, Kinross, Lanark, Linlithgow,
Orkney, Perth, Renfrew, Ross, Roxburgh, Stirling, and
Sutherland; also in the islands of Arran, Cantyre, Harris,
Islay, Lewis, and Uist. In Ireland, in the counties of
Clare, Cork, Down, Dublin, Galway, and Kilkenny ; in
King's County, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, and
VVicklow. In Jersey and Guernsey. It grows from the
sea-level to three thousand seven hundred feet above it.

XXXII. — THE HAY-SCENTED BUCKLER FERN.

Lastrea, recurva.
(Plate VI., Fig. 2, page 59.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — One foot to two feet.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots abundant, wiry, fibrous.
Rootstock, a tufted cormus, whose crown is slightly raised
above the soil. Fronds strongly resembling in general
form — except in the matter of size — those of Lastrea
dilatata. Stipes varying in length, but frequently about
as long as the leafy part, scattered over near its base, and
also in a less degree higher up, with a few dark or
muddy-brown scales ; leafy part triangular, tripinnate in
its lower part and bipinnate above ; pinnae opposite or
alternate, lower ones also triangular, succeeding ones
above becoming narrower and narrower towards the
apex of the frond ; pinnules alternate on the secondary

106 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

rachides, and more or less deeply divided into sharply-
indented lobes, the pinnules on the under sides of the
midstems of the lowest pair of pinnae being considerably
longer and more divided than those on the upper sides
of the same midstems ; the same kind of difference,
though in a less degree, being observable in the pinnules
of the pinnae above — the difference gradually disap-
pearing towards the apex of the frond. Characters
which, besides its smaller size, distinguish this species
from Lastrea dilatata are the strong hay scent which is
diffused by the fronds, especially when in a dry or drying
state, the bluish-green hue of its fronds, and the recurving
of the lobes of the pinnules. It has been seen that in
Lastrea dilatata the under sides of the lobes are concave,
a feature which gives a drooping aspect to the entire
frond. In Lastrea recurva, on the other hand, the lobes
are recurved, so that they are slightly concave on their
upper sides. Fructification distributed over the entire
under surface of the frond, and consisting of rows — one
on each side of the midvein of each lobe in the lower
part of the frond and of each pinnule on the upper part
— of kidney-shaped indusia, green at first, and subse-
quently becoming brown and falling off as the spores are
ripened.

HABITATS. — Moist and sheltered rocky and other
banks and hollows of woods ; loose stones upon hillsides
or embankments ; the tops and sides of hedgebanks
where the luxuriance of shrubs and trees makes shady
places. The positions this fern prefers are those where
rich leaf-soil is found in conjunction with shade and
moisture.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Cornwall, Cumberland, Devon, Dorset, Hereford, Kent,
Lancaster, Northumberland, Salop, Somerset, Sussex,
Westmoreland, and York. In Wales, in the counties of
Anglesea, Caernarvon, Glamorgan, Merioneth and Pem-
broke. In the Isle of Man. In Scotland, in the counties

THE RIGID BUCKLER FERN. 107

of Argyle, Berwick, Dumbarton, Forfar, Inverness,
Orkney, and Roxburgh ; also in the islands of Arran,
Mull, and North Uist. In Ireland, in the counties of
Antrim, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, London-
derry, Mayo, Sligo, Waterford, and Wicklow. In the
island of Guernsey. It is found growing from the sea-
level to two or three thousand feet above it.

XXXIIL— THE RIGID BUCKLER FERN.

Lastrea rigida.
(Plate VI., Fig. 3, page 59.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — One foot to two feet.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots abundant, fibrous.
Rootstock, a thick, tufted cormus. Fronds rigid, erect ;
stipes about half the length of, or as long as, the leafy-
part, scaly, the scales being continued along the rachis ;
leafy part triangular, bipinnate, pinnae cone-shaped, in
pairs or alternate upon the rachis, and divided into
oblong, alternate, indented pinnules, which are arranged
in symmetrical order upon the secondary rachides —
the whole frond having a very elegantly-cut appearance.
Fructification consisting of lines of sporangia — a line on
each side ot the midvein of each pinnule — covered by
the kidney-shaped indusia characteristic of the genus
Lastrea.

HABITATS. — Rocky hollows, in the moist crevices of
which the Rigid Buckler Fern often grows abundantly in
its own districts. It prefers limestone rocks ; and is, in
fact, the only one of the genus Lastrea which prefers
rocky habitats.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, only in the counties of
Cornwall, Lancaster, Somerset, Westmoreland, and York ;

IOS WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

in Lancashire, in the neighbourhood of Silverdale; in
Westmoreland, at Arnside Knot, at Farlton Knot, and
at Hutton Roof Crags ; in Yorkshire, at Ingleborough,
Ingleton, on the Attermine Rocks, near Settle, at Wharn-
side, and White Scars. It has not been recorded as
having been found in Wales or in Scotland, and in
Ireland only in the county of Louth. It is found growing
at various heights up to fifteen hundred feet above the
sea-level.

XXXIV. — THE CRESTED BUCKLER FERN.

Lastrea cristata,
(Plate XIV., Fig. i, page 75-)

LENGTH OF FROND. — One to three feet.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots abundant, fibrous.
Rootstock, a stout caudex, which extends itself laterally in
the ground, producing several crowns, which oftentimes,
when the plant spreads over an area of several square
feet, are still adherent to each other, and show their
common origin. Fronds numerous, produced promis-
cuously from the crowns without any particular order,
such as that noticed in the shuttlecock-shapes of the sets
of fronds of several other species of the same genus ;
stipes brittle, rather short — not exceeding usually one-
half the length of the leafy part — and having a few light-
brown scales scattered upon it ; leafy part, narrowly
triangular, or lanceolate, nearly, but not quite, bipinnate ;
pinnse opposite or alternate upon the rachis, triangular,
pinnatifid, divided, nearly down to their midstems,
into oblong, indented pinnules, which are attached to
the secondary rachides by the whole width of their
bases. The habit of the frond is very erect, and the

THE CRESTED BUCKLER FERN. 109

arrangement of pinnae and pinnules very symmetrical.
Fructification produced over the whole under sides of the
fronds, and consisting of rows of sori, one on each side
of the midvein of each pinnule — each sorus covered by a
kidney-shaped indusium in the earlier stage of growth.
The indusia, however, fall away and disappear on the
ripening of the spores.

HABITATS. — Shady, boggy places, oftentimes under
shrubs or trees in such situations. Though the habitats
of this species are thus marshy, it is invariably found to
prefer little mounds, knolls, or other elevations a few
inches above the surface of the bog. Bog tree-stumps
upon which have accumulated leaf-soil, grass, and moss,
are amongst the favourite places for the finding of Lastrea
cristata, which, however, is local in its appearance, and
not widely distributed.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Chester, Huntingdon, Norfolk, Nottingham, Suffolk, and
York. In Cheshire, it has been found in the Wybunbury
Bog ; in Norfolk, at Bawsey Heath, near Lynn, near
Dersingham, between Hunstanton and Lynn ; at Edge-
field, near Holt ; at Fritton, near Yarmouth ; and at
Surlingham Broad, near Norwich ; in Nottinghamshire,
on the Bulwell Marshes and in Oxton Bogs (although
it may possibly at the present time have become extinct
on the Bulwell Marshes) ; in Staffordshire, near Madeley,
and in a bog in the vicinity of Newcastle-under-Lyne ; in
Suffolk, at Bexley Decoy, near Ipswich, and at Westleton ;
in Yorkshire, near Knaresborough and near Malton. It
is said to have been found in Scotland only in Renfrew
and Wigtonshire, and neither in Wales nor Ireland. It
grows generally at low elevations not exceeding three
hundred feet above the sea-level.

I 2

110 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

XXXV. — THE PRICKLY-TOOTHED BUCKLER FERN.

Lastrea spinulosa.
(Plate VII., Fig. 2, page 6r.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — One foot to three feet.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots abundant, fibrous.
Rootstock, a tufted caudex, which extends into numerous
crowns that are noticeable by the absence of scales.
Fronds numerous, triangular, deciduous, bipinnate, some-
times, in the lower part of the frond, nearly tripinnate ;
pinnae more or less triangular, opposite or alternate on
the rachis, and divided into oblong, sharply-incised pin-
nules, furnished with spinous, bristle-like points which
are turned towards the apices of the pinnules. As in
the case of Lastrea dilatata and Lastrea rccurva, the lower
pairs of pinnae are more developed than the upper ones,
the basal pinnules of these being elongated, and again
divided into spiny lobes. The pinnae — especially the
lower pairs — are usually pointed upwards in a direction
diagonal to that of the rachis. The stipes is generally
about the same length as the leafy part of the frond,
though sometimes longer, and is brittle, and furnished
near the base with a few light-brown scales. Fructifica-
tion produced in rows of small sori, covered by kidney-
shaped indusia, and scattered equally over the under
sides of the fronds — a row of sori on each side of the
midvein of each pinnule or lobe according to its size
and position.

HABITATS. — Similar in all respects to those of Lastrea
cristata — namely, boggy places of low-lying heaths and
moorlands, especially in places where, under the shelter
of shrub or tree, little grassy or mossy knolls have been

THE MOUNTAIN BUCKLER FERN. Ill

formed above the general bog or marsh level. When
the boggy soil is of peat and leaf-mould the most favour-
able conditions of growth are provided for this species.

WHERE FOUND. — \\\ England, in the counties of Bed-
ford, Berks, Bucks, Cambridge, Chester, Cornwall,
Cumberland, Derby, Devon, Dorset, Durham, Essex,
Gloucester, Hants (the mainland and the Isle of Wight),
Hereford, Hertford, Huntingdon, Kent, Lancaster,
Leicester, Lincoln, Middlesex, Monmouth, Norfolk,
Northampton, Northumberland, Nottingham, Oxford,
Salop, Somerset, Stafford, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex,
Warwick, Westmoreland, Worcester, and York. In
Wales, in the counties of Anglesea, Brecknock,
Caermarthen, Caernarvon, Flint, Glamorgan, and Merio-
neth. In the Isle of Man. In Scotland, in the counties
of Aberdeen, Argyle, Dumbarton, Dumfries, Edinburgh,
Elgin, Fife, Forfar, Inverness, Kincardine, Kinross,
Perth, Renfrew, Ross, Roxburgh, and Stirling. Also in
the isles of Harris, Lewis, and Uist. Its range upwards
from the sea-level does not extend beyond some three
hundred feet.

XXXVI. — THE MOUNTAIN BUCKLER FERN.

Lastrea montana.
(Plate VII., Fig. i, page 61.)

LENGTH OF FROND.— One foot to four feet and a half.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots abundant, long, wiry,
fibrous. Rootstock, a short, stout, tufted cormus, whose
crown is raised slightly above the surface of the ground.
Fronds deciduous, abundant, lemon-scented, erect-grow-
ing, produced in an arrangement shuttlecock-shape
around the crown, which is furnished with silvery-looking
scales in place of the rust-coloured scales on the crown
of the Male Fern, a species which Lastrea montana\try

112 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

much resembles in some other respects ; stipes very
short, straw-coloured — as is also the rachis — and fur-
nished with a few, light-coloured scales, which are often
continued upon, and a short way along, the rachis ; leafy
part lance-shaped, widest about the middle, pointed at
the apex, and tapering gradually at the base until the
pinnae are less than half an inch long ; pinna? opposite
or alternate upon the rachis, long, narrow, pointed, widest
at the base — each pinna pinnatifid and more or less
deeply cleft into oblong, blunt-pointed pinnules. Fruc-
tification marginal, produced in lines of sori along the
two margins of each pinnule, most abundant on the
upper side of the frond ; sori partially indusiate, the
indusia consisting of little rounded scales situated upon
the centre of the sori, and soon falling off as the period
of spore-ripening arrives.

HABITATS. — Open heaths; moors; the more open
parts of woods and forests ; hillsides ; mountain-sides ;
streamsides. In many cases it completely occupies the
ground. On the ground between stones that border
moorland streams this species may often be seen grow-
ing in great beauty and luxuriance. Its presence is
ordinarily very conspicuous — its golden-green fronds
covering hillsides with their wealth of golden green, and
perfuming the air with their balsamic fragrance.

WHERE FOUND. — \\\ England, in the counties of Bucks,
Chester, Cornwall, Cumberland, Derby, Devon, Dorset,
Durham, Essex, Gloucester, Hants (the mainland and
the Isle of Wight), Hereford, Hertford, Kent, Lancaster,
Leicester, Lincoln, Middlesex, Monmouth, Norfolk,
Northampton, Northumberland, Nottingham, Oxford,
Rutland, Salop, Somerset, Stafford, Suffolk, Surrey,
Sussex, Warwick, Westmoreland, Wilts, Worcester, and
York. In Wales, in the counties of Anglesea, Breck-
nock, Caermarthen, Caernarvon, Cardigan, Denbigh,
Flint, Glamorgan, Merioneth, Pembroke, and Radnor.
In the Isle of Man. In Scotland, in the counties of

THE MARSH BUCKLER FERN. 1 13

Aberdeen, Argyle, Ayr, Berwick, Caithness, Clack-
mannan, Dumbarton, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Elgin, Fife,
Forfar, Inverness, Kincardine, Kinross, Lanark, Perth,
Renfrew, Ross, Roxburgh, Stirling, and Sutherland ;
also in the isles of Arran, Cantyre, Islay, Shetland, and
Uist. In Ireland, in the counties of Clare, Donegal,
Galway, Kerry, Londonderry, Waterford, and Wicklow.
It is found growing at various altitudes up to three
thousand feet above the sea-level.

XXXVII. — THE MARSH BUCKLER FERN.

Lastrea thelypteris.
(Plate X., Fig. r, page 67.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Barren fronds, one foot to three
feet ; fertile fronds, a foot to four feet.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots black, fibrous, abun-
dant. Rootstock, an extensively-creeping rhizoma, slender
and blackish. Fronds of two kinds — barren and fertile
— numerous, light green, herbaceous, brittle, fragile ;
stipes about equal to the leafy part, very thin, pale green,
delicate, and brittle ; leafy part lance-shaped, broadest in
the centre, tapering to a somewhat blunt point at the
apex, and tapering slightly towards the base ; pinnae
opposite or alternate, and somewhat distant along the
rachis, long, narrow, pointed, broadest at the base,
pinnatifid — each pinna deeply cleft into thin, plain,
oblong, entire pinnules. The pinnules of the fertile
fronds, besides being longer, are somewhat more con-
tracted than those of the barren ones. Fructification
borne in rows of sori upon the under sides of the pinnules,
midway between their midveins and their margins, each
sorus roundish in shape and covered by a roundish
indusium, which, however, soon falls off and disappears.

114 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

HABITATS. — Wet marshes and liquid bogs. It is
especially luxuriant in positions where shade and shelter
are provided by shrubs or trees. No other British fern
selects habitats which are so absolutely watery as are
those favoured by the Marsh Buckler Fern, which grows
actually in the soft liquid ooze of bogs, its rhizomas
floating on the bog surfaces.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of Bed-
ford, Berks, Cambridge, Chester, Cumberland, Devon,
Dorset, Essex, Hants (the mainland and the Isle of
Wight), Hereford, Huntingdon, Kent, Leicester, Lincoln,
Norfolk, Northumberland, Nottingham, Salop, Somerset,
Stafford, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Warwick, Westmore-
land, and York. In Wales, in the counties of Anglesea,
Caernarvon, Flint, Glamorgan, and Pembroke. In
Scotland, only in the county of Forfar. In Ireland, in
the counties of Antrim, Galway, Kerry, and Mayo.

XXXVIII. — THE FORKED SPLEENWORT.

Asplenium scptentrionale.
(Plate XIV., Figs. 8 and 9, page 75.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Two to six inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots long, wiry, very fine,
abundant, fibrous. Rootstock very small, tufted. Fronds
numerous, evergreen, grass-like, usually produced in
dense tufts from the crown ; stipes pale green, purplish-
brown at the base, three or four times longer than the
leafy part, which consists of two or three narrow, simple,
or forked branches resembling short blades of grass,
each branch being either simple or once or twice sharply
cleft at its apex. Fructification borne in elongated lines

THE FORKED SPLEENWORT 115

at the backs of the widest leafy part of the frond, the
sori distinct and elongated, and covered when young by
elongated indusia, but when these fall off becoming
confluent upon nearly the whole under side of the frond,
and turning then to a dark-brown colour.

HABITATS. — Moist and shady rocky crevices; old
walls in positions sheltered by projecting pieces of stone
or rock ; dark, moist, shady holes or recesses in walls or
rocks — hence, generally, this species is inconspicuous,
and requires to be carefully sought for.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in Cornwall, Cumber-
land, Devon, Northumberland, Somerset, Westmoreland,
and York ; in Cornwall, near Trengwainton Cairn (F. T.
Richards) ; in Cumberland, Borrowdale, Helvellyn,
Honister Crags, Keswick, Vale of Newlands, Patterdale,
Scawfell, and Wastwater ; in Devonshire, on Exmoor ;
in Northumberland, in crevices of basaltic rocks of
Kyloe Crags ; in Somersetshire, near the little village of
Culbone ; in the county of Westmoreland, at Ambleside ;
and in Yorkshire, upon the rocks of Ingleborough. In
Wales, in the counties of Caernarvon, Denbigh, and
Merioneth. In the county of Caernarvon the habitats
of Asplenium septentrionale are in the following places :
Bettwys-y-Coed, Capel Curig, Carnedd Llewellyn, Craig
Dhu, Pass of Llanberis, Llyn-y-cwm, Moel Lechog, and
Pont-y-Pair ; in the county of Denbigh, rocks at Llan
Dethyla in the neighbourhood of Llanrwst. In Merioneth,
at Dolgelly (F. T. Richards). In Scotland, Aberdeen,
Edinburgh, Perth, and Roxburgh ; in Aberdeen, on rocks
at the Pass of Ballater ; in the county of Edinburgh, on
rocks at Arthur's Seat, at Blackford Hill, and on other
rocks in the same neighbourhood ; in Perthshire, in the
vicinity of Dunkeld ; and in Roxburghshire, at Jedburgh
and on the Minto Crags. No habitats of this species
have been recorded in Ireland. It grows at various
altitudes up to three thousand feet above the sea-level.

Il6 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

XXXIX. — THE ALTERNATE SPLEENWORT.

Aspknium germanicum.
(Plate XIV., Figs. 6 and 7, page 75.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Two to six inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots fibrous, wiry, abun-
dant. Rootstock small, tufted. Fronds numerous, ever-
green, produced in clusters from the crown ; stipes pale-
green, purplish-brown at the base, about equal in length
to the leafy part ; smooth ; leafy part simply pinnate,
with wedge-shaped pinnae sharply cleft on their upper
and broader sides, and placed in alternation on opposite
sides of the rachis to which they are attached by short,
narrow stems, which broaden and are merged, almost
insensibly, into the wider, leafy part of the pinnag.
Fructification borne upon the under sides of the wedge-
shaped, leafy parts of the pinnae in elongated— or
" linear," as they are called — sori, which run in parallel
directions towards the terminal points of the pinnse.
Each elongated sorus is covered when young by a long,
green indusium, and is then distinct. But when the
indusia are ruptured by the expansion, at ripening, of the
sporangia, they burst and are thrown off, and the sori
become confluent, covering almost the entire under
sides of the pinnae with a mass of rich, dark-brown
spore-cases.

HABITATS. — Rocky crevices similar to those in which
Asplenium septentrionah grows. The two species are
often found growing together.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, only in the counties of
Cumberland, Northumberland, and Somerset ; in Cum-
berland, rocks at Borrowdale and on Helvellyn ; in
Northumberland, on the Kyloe basaltic rocks ; and in

THE RUE-LEAVED SPLEENWORT. 117

Somersetshire, at Culbone. In Wales, in Caernarvon
and Merioneth ; in the former, rocks between Capel
Curig and Llanrwst, and rocks at the Pass of Llanberis ;
in Merioneth, on Cader Idris (F. T. Richards). In
Scotland, Edinburgh, Fife, Perth, and Roxburgh, and in
the following localities : in Edinburgh, rocks within
two miles of the capital ; in the county of Fife, rocks in
the neighbourhood of Dunfermline ; in Perthshire, the
Stenton Rocks in the neighbourhood of Dunkeld ; in
the county of Roxburgh, Minto Crags in the vicinity of
Hassendean and rocks on the Tweed near Kelso. It
has never been reported from Ireland. Asplenium
gcrmanicum grows at elevations above the sea-level
extending from some three hundred to three thousand
feet.

XL. — THE RUE-LEAVED SPLEENWORT.

Asplenium ruta-muraria.
(Plate XIII., Figs. 8 and 9, page 73.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — One inch to six inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots fine, wiry, fibrous, and
very abundant, growing oftentimes in a dense mass.
Rootstock short, thick, compact, tufted. Fronds ever-
green, leathery, dark-green, shining, numerous, produced
sometimes in thick tufts from the crown, which is always
elevated a little above the surface of the rock or earthy
seam of soil upon which it is growing ; stipes smooth,
green, purplish-black at the base, equal in length to,
or double the length of, the leafy part, or intermediate
between these lengths ; leafy part more or less triangular,
bipinnate ; pinnae stalked, alternate upon the rachis and
divided, usually, into three wedge-shaped, egg-shaped, or

Il8 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

diamond-shaped pinnules, which, in luxuriant specimens
are sometimes deeply cleft into unequally-shaped lobes,
and where the pinnules are not thus divided their upper
and broader edges are more or less conspicuously in-
dented. Fructification borne in elongated sori, covered,
when young, by pale-green indusia. When they have
become disrupted and thrown off the sori, by the en-
largement of the sporangia, become confluent and cover
the entire under surface of the fronds, turning them to a
rich reddish-brown.

HABITATS. — Rocks, brick and stone walls, bridge-
arches and old masonry, in shaded positions ; but this
fern often grows hardily in the sunshine. The parts of
walls and rocks selected by these little ferns are gene-
rally those where there are more or less moist seams of
earth or old crumbling mortar, and it will always be
found that the most luxuriant specimens of the Wall
Rue are those whose crowns are protected by some
jutting portion of stone over them. When the crowns
of this little plant are immersed in rocky crevices, so
that, though not buried in the earthy seams, the mois-
ture and shade of the crevices surround and protect
them from the desiccating effects of sun and wind, they
are in the most favourable position for developing luxu-
riant fronds.

THE BLACK MAIDENHAIR SPLEENWORT. 1 19

the counties of Aberdeen, Argyle, Ayr, Banff, Ber-
wick, Caithness, Clackmannan, Cromarty, Dumbarton,
Dumfries, Edinburgh, Elgin, Fife, Forfar, Haddington,
Inverness, Kincardine, Kinross, Kirkcudbright, Lanark,
Linlithgow, Nairn, Orkney, Peebles, Perth, Renfrew,
Roxburgh, Selkirk, Stirling, and Sutherland; also in
the islands of Ailsa Craig, Cantyre, Harris, lona, Islay,
and Uist. In Ireland, in the counties of Armagh, Clare,
Cork, Down, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, and Kilkenny; in
King's County, Limerick, Louth, Tipperary, Waterford,
and Wicklow. It is also found in Jersey. Asplenium
ruta-muraria grows at elevations extending to about
two thousand feet above the sea-level.

XLI. — THE BLACK MAIDENHAIR SPLEENWORT.

Asplenium adiantum-nigrum.

(Plate III., page 53.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — An inch to two feet, according
to its more or less exposed, sunny and stony, or sheltered,
shady, moist, and in other ways congenial position.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots long, fibrous, wiry,
abundant. Rootstock small, tufted, scaly. Fronds ever-
green, numerous ; stipes and rachis mqre or less purple ;
stipes equal in length to the leafy part, sometimes a little
shorter, and sometimes a little longer ; leafy part trian-
gular, dark shining-green, with alternated, triangular
pinnae, divided into narrow, elongated, and variously-
shaped pinnules, which, in turn, are sub-divided into more
or less deeply-indented lobes — the ultimate divisions
depending upon the more or less luxuriant state of the
plant. Fructification produced in the form of elongated
sori covered by elongated, pale-green indusia. When

120 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

these fall off, the sori, become confluent and densely
cover the whole under side of the frond.

HABITATS. — Walls of all kinds, more or less old, brick
and stone ; ruins, bridge-arches, garden and house walls,
and, indeed, every description of masonry — the luxuri-
ance of the plants depending upon the greater or less
accumulation of leaf-mould in the moist holes or seams
of soil in rock or wall, and upon the greater or less
amount of shade or moisture of the position. Stony
banks, or soil covered by large or small pieces of stone,
such as hedgebanks, streambanks, or the banks formed
by cuttings through hilly, rocky, or moorland country,
are also the favoured habitats of this beautiful species.
Where, on such banks, shrubs, growing from between
the stones, give shelter, and, at the same time, provide
— by the annual deposit of leaves — for the enrichment
of the soil, Asplenium adiantum-nigrum grows in its
finest form.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Bedford, Berks, Bucks, Cambridge, Chester, Cornwall,
Cumberland, Derby, Devon, Dorset, Durham, Essex,
Gloucester, Hants (the mainland and the Isle of Wight),
Hereford, Hertford, Kent, Lancaster, Leicester, Lincoln.
Middlesex, Monmouth, Norfolk, Northampton, Northum-
berland, Nottingham, Oxford, Rutland, Salop, Somerset,
Stafford, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, WTarwick, Westmore-
land, Wilts, Worcester, and York. In Wales, in the
counties of Anglesea, Caermarthen, Caernarvon, Car-
digan, Denbigh, Flint, Glamorgan, Merioneth, Mont-
gomery, Pembroke, and Radnor. In the Isle of Man.
In Scotland, in the counties of Aberdeen, Argyle, Ayr,
Banff, Berwick, Caithness, Clackmannan, Cromarty,
Dumbarton, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Elgin, Fife, Forfar,
Haddington, Inverness, Kincardine, Kinross, Kirkcud-
bright, Lanark, Linlithgow, Nairn, Orkney, Perth, Ren-
frew, Ross, Roxburgh, Selkirk, and Sutherland ; also
in the islands of Ailsa Craig, Arran, Cantyre, Harris,

THE LANCEOLATE SPLEENWORT. 121

lona, and Islay. In Ireland, in the counties of
Antrim, Clare, Cork, Down, Dublin, Galway, Kerry,
and Kilkenny ; in King's County, Limerick, Louth,
Meath, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wicklow ; also in
the Arran Isles. It is found growing at various eleva-
tions extending up to nearly two thousand feet about
the sea-level.

XLII. — THE LANCEOLATE SPLEENWORT.

Asplenium lanceolatum.
(Plate XIII., Figs. 2 and 3, page 73.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Four to eighteen inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots long, fibrous, wiry,
abundant. Rootstock somewhat large, dark brown, scaly,
tufted. Fronds evergreen, lance-shaped (distinguished
by this feature from the triangular fronds of Asplenium
adiantum-nigrum, which it otherwise resembles) ; stipes
a third the length of the leafy part and sometimes less
in proportion, purplish red in colour, the same hue
being noticeable, in a greater or less degree, on the
rachis ; leafy part bright green, bipinnate ; pinnae
opposite -or alternate on the rachis, narrowly triangular,
divided into alternate and— in well-developed specimens
— distinctly stalked, fan-shaped, or four-sided and in-
dented pinnules. Fructification produced over the
entire under surface of the frond, and consisting of sori
which, though elongated — as in the Spleenworts gene-
rally— are less elongated than those of Asplenium
adiantum-nigrum. When the indusia fall off, the sori
become rounded in form and somewhat bulged out as
the sporangia increase by development ; but each sorus
ordinarily remains distinct from the others, and thus
presents another feature which distinguishes this species

122 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

from Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, the sori in which
ordinarily become confluent.

HABITATS. — Shady positions on or near the sea-coast ;
moist and dripping rocks ; the shady sides of cliffs ; sea-
caverns ; rocky holes, oftentimes almost dark. This
species is especially luxuriant in places where water
oozes or trickles over the face of cliff or other rock, or
along the internal sides of caverns, crevices, or other
holes or fissures of rocks. Soft rock seamed with
vegetable mould offers, where the aspect and atmosphere
are congenial, especially favourite habitats for the
Lanceolate Spleenwort.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Cornwall, Devon, Gloucester, Kent, Somerset, Sussex,
and Yorkshire. Amongst its habitats in Cornwall are
sea-rocks, or rocks adjacent to the sea-coast, at Land's
End, Penzance, and St. Ives. In Devonshire, along the
rivers Dart, Plym, Tamar, and Tavy, especially near and
at the mouths of those rivers. On the south-eastern sea-
coast of Devon, especially from Portlemouth to Prawle
Point and at Salcombe. The Yorkshire habitat of
Asplenium lanceolatum is a newly-found one, and its
discovery was first communicated to the author of this
volume by the Rev. R. Gatty, of Bradfield Rectory, who
kindly furnished fronds from the specimens he had
taken in this northern county. In Wales, in the counties
of Caernarvon, Denbigh, Glamorgan, Merioneth, and
Pembroke. No habitats of this species have been
discovered in Scotland, and only one in Ireland, namely,
near the town of Cork. It is, however, abundant in
Jersey, in Guernsey, and in Sark.

THE ROCK SPLEEN WORT. 123

XLIII. — THE ROCK SPLEENWORT.

Asplenium fontanum.
(Plate XIII. , Figs. 6 and 7, page 73.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Three inches to a foot, the
maximum length given being, however, exceptional.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — _#0<?/y fibrous, wiry, abundant.
Rootstock small, tufted, erect. Fronds numerous, stiff,
evergreen, narrowly lance-shaped ; stipes purplish-black,
very short, the leafy pinnae being continued almost
close to the crown, leaving oftentimes no more than
half an inch of clear stipes; leafy part pinnate, light
green, pointed at the apex, broadest near its centre, and
diminishing downwards; pinna? opposite or alternate
upon the rachis, very short, either triangular or egg-shaped,
and either sharply indented or — in large specimens —
again divided into somewhat four-sided, indented
pinnules. Fructification produced in sori which are
slightly oblong, and are covered by slightly-oblong in-
dusia. When these fall off, the sori frequently become
rounder and confluent, though they are perhaps as
frequently distinct from each other.

HABITATS. — Moist, shady fissures of rocks, and
crevices of walls ; sea-cliffs and sea-caves. This species
grows under very much the same conditions, and in
very much the same positions, as Asplenium lanceolatum.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, only in the counties of
Derby, Dorset, Hants, Northumberland, Westmoreland,
and York. In Derbyshire, near Matlock ; in Dorset-
shire, in the Swanage Cave, Isle of Purbeck ; in Hamp-
shire, near Petersfield ; in Northumberland, near Alnwick
Castle; in Westmoreland, near Wybourn. In York-

124 WHERE TO KIND FERNS.

shire, in Wharncliffe Wood. In Wales, only in the
county of Caernarvon, between Tan-y-Bwlch and
Tremadoc. In Scotland, only in Kincardineshire, on
rocks in the vicinity of Stonehaven. In Ireland, it has
been found at Cavehill, near Belfast.

XLIV. — THE GREEN SPLEEN WORT.

Asplenium viride.
(Plate XIV., Figs 4 and 5, page 75.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Two to ten inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — ^^/.ynbrous, wiry, abundant,
Rootstock small, tufted. Fronds numerous, evergreen,
produced in tufts from the crown, narrow, tapering,
broadest about the centre, simply pinnate ; stipes rather
short, green, purplish at the base ; rachis also green ;
pinnse light green, opposite or alternate, attached to the
rachis by very short but distinct stalks, roundish oblong
in shape, finely indented upon their margins, usually
largest about the centre, diminishing in size towards
the apex and towards the base of the frond. This species
bears a strong general resemblance to its much more
common and widely-distributed congener Aspleniu>/i
trichomanes ; but the especial and immediate mark of
distinction lies in the colour of the stipes and of the
lower part of the rachis, a colour which in Asplenium
viride is always green — except at the base of the stipes —
and in Asplenium trichomanes always purple. Fructifica-
tion produced in narrow, oblong son', covered by indusia,
and occupying nearly the centre of each little pinna, be-
coming confluent about the centre of the pinnae when
the indusia have fallen away, and not spreading, as is

THE GREEN SPLEENWORT. 125

usually the case with the fructification of the Common
Maidenhair Spleenwort, on the entire leafy under sides.

HABITATS. — Wild outlying districts, away, ordinarily,
from the immediate vicinity of towns ; rocks where
trickling moisture can flow over the crowns of these
little plants. The most moist and shady of rocky crevices
are the favoured habitats.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Chester, Cumberland, Derby, Durham, Lancaster,
Leicester, Middlesex, Monmouth, Northumberland,
Stafford, Surrey, Sussex, Westmoreland, Worcester, and
York. The particular localities in these counties are
the following, which will be mentioned in the alpha-
betical order, first of the counties and then of the dis-
tricts, in or near which this species is found. In
Cheshire, Carr-edge; in the county of Cumberland,
Ashness Gill, Borrowdale, Borrow Force (a " force " is
the north-country name of a waterfall), and Gillsland ;
in Derbyshire, Buxton, Castleton, Cavedale, and Dove-
dale ; in Durham, Falcon Glints, Teesdale, and Wear-
dale ; in Kent, Maidstone ; in the county of Lancaster,
Dulesgate and Staley; in Leicestershire, Beacon Hill
and Charley Forest ; in Middlesex, Southgate ; in the
county of Northumberland, banks of the River Irthing ;
in Staffordshire, Dovedale ; in the county of Surrey,
Mickleham ; in Sussex, Danny; in Westmoreland, Am-
bleside, Arnside, Casterton Fell, Farlton, Hutton Roof,
Kendal Fell, Mazebec Scar, and Patterdale ; in Wor-
cestershire, Ham Bridge; in Yorkshire, Aix-la-Beck,
Craven, Gordale, Leeds, Ogden Clough (in the neigh-
bourhood of Halifax), Ingleborough, Reeth Moor,
Richmond, Settle, Swaledale, Wensleydale, and Wid-
dal Fell. In Wales, in the counties of Brecknock,
Caernarvon, Glamorgan, and Merioneth ; and in the
following localities in those counties : in Brecknock-
shire, Brecon Beacon, and Trecastle Beacon (Brecon),
Capel Colbren, and Capel-y-Fin ; in the county of Caer-

K 2

126 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

narvon, Clogwyn-y-Garnedd, Clogwyn-du-Yrarddu, Cwm
Idwal, Glyder Vawr, Glyn-y-Cwm, and Twll-du ; in the
county of Glamorgan, Cilhepste Waterfall (Pont Nedd
Vechan), Darran-yr-Ogof, Merthyr Tydfil, and Ystrad-
gunlais ; in the county of Merioneth, Cader Idris. In
Scotland, in the counties of Aberdeen, Argyle, Ayr,
Clackmannan, Dumbarton, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Elgin,
Fife, Forfar, Inverness, Kinross, Lanark, Linlithgow,
Nairn, Perth, Ross, Stirling, and Sutherland. The
following are some of the localities in those counties :
in Argyleshire, Dunoon ; in the county of Dumfries,
Mare's-tail ; in Forfarshire, Canlochen, Clova ; in Lan-
arkshire, falls of the Clyde ; in the county of Nairn,
Cawdor Woods ; in Perthshire, Ben Chonzie (Crieff),
Ben Lawers, Ben Voirlich, Blair Athol, and Drummond
Hill ; in Sutherlandshire, Assynt ; also in the Shetland
Isles and the Isle of Mull. In Ireland, in the counties
of Cork, Donegal, Killarney, Kerry, and Sligo. Sub-
joined are the parts of those counties : in Cork, Bandon ;
in Donegal, Lough Eask ; in Kerry, Tork Mountains ;
and in Sligo, Ben Bulben. It occurs at various alti-
tudes up to two thousand five hundred feet above the
sea-level.

XLV. — THE COMMON MAIDENHAIR SPLEENWORT.

Aspknium trichomanes.
(Plate XIV., Figs. 2 and 3, page 75.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Two to eighteen inches, the
maximum length being very exceptional.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots fibrous, long, abun-
dant, wiry. Rooistock somewhat large for the size of the
plant, tufted. Fronds evergreen, produced in numerous

THE COMMON MAIDENHAIR SPLEENWORT. 127

tufts from the crown, tapering, widest about the middle,
tapering at each end, simply pinnate, stipes very short,
wholly purple ; rachis also purple, in this respect being
distinguished from Asplenium viride, which is much like
it in other respects. Pinnae deep green, small, oval,
entire, opposite or alternate on the rachis, usually in
opposite or nearly opposite pairs, seldom reaching a
quarter of an inch in length. Fructification produced in
oblong sori, covered by oblong indusia. When these
fall off, the sporangia become confluent over the entire
under surfaces of the pinnae — in this respect also differ-
ing from Asplenium viride, whose sporangia, when they
become confluent, occupy only the centre of the pinnae,
leaving a green, leafy margin around them.

HABITATS. — Rocks, walls, and old masonry of all
kinds, especially where, in the crevices which may have
been formed, leaf-soil has accumulated and moisture
has entered. Hence rocks or stony places by running
streams, bridge-arches, stone parapets, dwelling-house
and garden-walls, out-buildings, cliffs, and stony em-
bankments of all kinds. On the drier sides of such
habitats it is often stunted and puny, whilst on the
shady, moist, crumbling surfaces of rock or wall it
becomes much larger. In hedge and other embank-
ments, where the surface is sheltered by shrubs and the
soil is rich — especially where its roots are snugly en-
sconced under fragments of stone which may lie upon
the face of an incline — this species assumes its finest and
most luxuriant proportions. But such fine specimens
require, ordinarily, to be sought for, as, hid beneath the
friendly shelter of the superincumbent bushes, which
promote the shadiness, the moisture, and the richness of
soil of their habitats, they are not conspicuous, and are
often entirely concealed from the passer-by.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Bedford, Berks, Bucks, Cambridge, Chester, Cornwall,
Cumberland, Derby, Devon, Dorset, Durham, Essex,

128 WHERE TO FIND KERNS.

Gloucester, Hants (the mainland and the Isle of Wight),
Hereford, Hertford, Kent, Lancaster, Leicester, Lincoln,
Middlesex, Monmouth, Norfolk, Northampton, Northum-
berland, Nottingham, Oxford, Rutland, Salop, Somerset,
Stafford, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Warwick, Westmore-
land, Wilts, Worcester, and York. In Wales, in the
counties of Anglesea, Brecknock, Caermarthen, Caer-
narvon, Denbigh, Flint, Glamorgan, Merioneth, Mont-
gomery, Pembroke, and Radnor. In the Isle of Man.
In Scotland, in the counties of Aberdeen, Argyle,
Ayr, Banff, Berwick, Caithness, Clackmannan, Cro-
marty, Dumbarton, Dumfries, Edinburgh, Elgin, Fife,
Forfar, Haddington, Inverness, Kincardine, Kinross,
Kirkcudbright, Lanark, Linlithgow, Nairn, Orkney.
Peebles, Perth, Renfrew, Ross, Roxburgh, Selkirk,
Stirling, and Sutherland ; also in the islands of Arran,
Bute, Cantyre, Islay, and Harris. In Ireland, in the
counties of Antrim, Clare, Cork, Down, Dublin, Galway,
Kerry, and Kilkenny ; in King's County, Limerick,
Louth, Tipperary, Tyrone, and Wicklow. In the Channel
Islands. It grows at various heights, extending to some
two thousand feet above the sea-level.

XLVI. — THE SEA SPLEENWORT.

Aspleniiim marinum.
(Plate X., Figs. 4 and 5, page 67.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — Two to eighteen inches, the
maximum length being exceptional.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots fibrous, rather fleshy,
and abundant Rootstock stout, erect, tufted, with
scales upon its crown. Fronds evergreen, lance-shaped,
leathery, shining, simply pinnate ; stipes smooth, purple,

THE SEA SPLEEN WORT. 1 29

about half the length of the leafy part, and sometimes
shorter than that ; rachis often purple, sometimes purple
on the lower part and green higher up; leafy part widest
about the middle, tapering to a blunt point at the apex,
and tapering generally, but not always, by the diminution
of the pinnae towards the base ; pinnae in opposite pairs,
or alternate upon the rachis, indented, wing-shaped, or
ear-shaped, ordinarily attached by their narrow, stalk-
like bases to narrow, leafy margins or wings, which run
along on each side of the rachis. Fructification pro-
duced in elongated sori, covered by elongated indusia,
and placed diagonally between the midveins and the
margins of the pinnae. Though generally, even when
ripened, distinct, the lines of sori become sometimes
confluent— turning to a rich brown, which conspicuously
contrasts with the deep green of the pinnae.

HABITATS. — Sea-caverns ; cliffs or other rocks in or
very near the sea. It is very rarely that this fern is
found growing far from the coast, though it not un-
frequently is found of a more or less diminutive size upon
rocks in tidal rivers several miles from the sea. Its
favourite positions are moist and shady crevices of the
open sides of cliffs, especially in situations where water
oozes through such crevices or trickles down the out-
ward face of the rock. Shady clefts, formed by jutting
pieces of rock, moist corners at the entrance to cliff
hollows or caverns ; cavern roofs ; rocks detached from
the coast and surrounded by the sea. These and the
under sides of rocks overhanging the mouths of tidal
rivers and similar rocks further inland are, one and all,
favoured habitats of Aspknium marinum.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, on the coasts of the
counties of Chester, Cornwall, Cumberland, Devon,
Dorset, Durham, Gloucester (banks of the Severn),
Hants (the Isle of Wight), Lancaster, Northumberland,
Somerset, Sussex, Westmoreland, and York. In Wales,
on the coasts of the counties of Anglesea, Caermarthen,

130 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

Caernarvon, Cardigan, Glamorgan, Merioneth, and
Pembroke. On the coasts of the Isle of Man. In
Scotland, on the coasts of the counties of Aberdeen,
Argyle, Ayr, Banff, Berwick, Caithness, Cromarty, Dum-
barton, Edinburgh, Elgin, Fife, Forfar, Kincardine,
Kinross, Kirkcudbright, Linlithgow, Nairn, Orkney,
Perth, Renfrew, Ross, Stirling, Sutherland, and Wigton.
Also on the coasts of the isles of Ailsa Craig, Cantyre,
Harris, lona, Islay, Lewis, and Uist. In Ireland, on the
coasts of the counties of Clare, Cork, Down, Dublin,
Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Louth, Waterford, and Wick-
low : also on the coasts of the isles of Arran. It is
also found on the coasts of Jersey and Guernsey.

XLVII. — THE SCALY SPLEENWORT.

Asplenium ceteraeh,
(Plate XIIL, Figs. 4 and 5, page 73.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — An inch to eight inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots long, fibrous, wiry,
very abundant, oftentimes forming dense masses. Root-
stock tufted, scaly. Fronds not numerous, thick, leathery,
evergreen, produced in an irregular circle around the
crown ; pinnatifid ; stipes, very short, scaly ; leafy part
lance-shaped, and, though generally pinnatifid, sometimes
in the lower part of the frond partially pinnate — the deep,
wide indentations and the lobes formed by them being
rounded and waved on each side of the rachis in a
manner somewhat similar to that of a large saw. The
upper surface of the leafy part is bluish-green and
velvety to the touch, and the whole under-surface is
densely covered by light reddish-brown or rust-coloured
scales. Fructification produced in irregularly-elongated

THE SCALY SPLEENWORT. 131

sori, which are ordinarily quite hidden by the clothing
of the scales, and which have imperfect and partially-
developed indusia.

HABITATS. — Rocks, old walls, and all kinds of old and
crumbling masonry; bridge-arches, house and garden
walls, and stony embankments. It grows from the moist,
shady seams of its stony habitats, being more or less
luxuriant according to the more or less congenial con-
dition of the habitats — leaf-mould in the crevices of rock
or wall, caused by the fall and decay of leaves from over-
arching trees, and a certain amount of moisture, being
conducive to vigour and luxuriance. The proof that it
is chiefly leaf-mould and not " old mortar " — as is so
frequently alleged — that promotes the luxuriant growth
of this fern is found in the circumstance that when the
walls or rocks on which it is growing are under trees the
finest specimens are those amongst loose stones on the
tops of such walls or rocks, these being precisely the
positions in which there are naturally the largest accu-
mulations of leaf-mould from falling leaves.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Bucks, Chester, Cornwall, Cumberland, Derby, Devon,
Dorset, Essex, Gloucester, Hants (the mainland and the
Isle of Wight), Hereford, Hertford, Kent, Lancaster,
Middlesex, Monmouth, Norfolk, Northampton, North-
umberland, Nottingham, Oxford, Salop, Somerset,
Stafford, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Warwick, Westmore-
land, Wilts, Worcester, and York. In Wales, in the
counties of Anglesea, Brecknock, Caermarthen, Caer-
narvon, Cardigan, Denbigh, Glamorgan, Merioneth,
Montgomery, and Pembroke. In Scotland, in the
counties of Argyle, Ayr, Berwick, Dumfries, Kirkcud-
bright, Lanark, Perth, and Renfrew. In Ireland, in the
counties of Antrim, Clare, Cork, Down, Dublin, Galway,
Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth, Sligo, Tipperary
Waterford, and Wicklow. In Jersey.

132 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

XLVIII. — THE TUNBRIDGE FILMY FERN.
Hymenophyllum tunbridgen.se.
(Plate XV., Fig. 5, page 77.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — One to six inches, the maxi-
mum length being exceptional.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots very fine, fibrous,
wiry, and abundant. Rootstock, a very slender, hairlike
rhiaoma, which branches and creeps extensively, forming
oftentimes, with the roots, a dense, matted network, that
extends for several yards — the interwoven fibres making
a mass that may be stripped off like a thick carpet from
the surface of the rock upon which they have spread.
Fronds evergreen, ovate, and peculiar in conformation.
The stipes is brownish-black and hairlike, the rachis
continuing it being of similar texture, size, and colour.
From each side of the rachis, in alternation, are
secondary forked rachides, similar in character to, but
somewhat more delicate than, the stipes and primary
rachis. The whole of the black, vein-like rachides are
margined on either side by semi- pellucid, olive-green,
finely-toothed, leaf-like expansions — each side-branch or
pinna looking somewhat like the spread fingers of a
hand. Fructification borne not on the under sides of the
leafy parts of the frond, as is the case with the large
majority of ferns, but in little cup-shaped indusia, situated
upon aborted veins, which branch from the secondary
rachides near where these make angles with the main
rachis on either side of the latter. The upper margins of
the indusia are fringed (see page 18, left-hand figure).

HABITATS. — The damp surfaces of rocks in moist
moorland or mountainous country. Hymenophyllum
tunbridgense is oftentimes found growing in company

THE TUNBRIDGE FILMY FERN. 133

with mosses either on rocks, on tree-trunks, or on the
ground. It • is also found on boulder rocks in mid-
stream, and generally in or near streams, on rock-
covered hills or uplands within the influence of the
moist emanations from neighbouring streams ; and the
hollows, crevices, or sides of waterfalls are favourite
habitats, this species often growing almost in darkness in
rocky fissures, whose external and frequently internal
sides it completely drapes. A very slight depth of
earth suffices for root-room, and oftentimes the carpet
of its matted roots and rhizomas appears to cover
nothing but the moist surface of bare rocks.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Chester, Cornwall, Cumberland, Derby, Devon, Kent,
Lancaster, Northumberland, Somerset, Stafford, Sussex,
Westmoreland, and York. The following are the espe-
cial localities for this species in the counties named.
In the county of Chester : the neighbourhood of Buxton,
Croydon Brook, and Macclesfield. In Cornwall, Rough
Tor, near Camelford, and the vicinity of Penryn. In
Devonshire, on Dartmoor, namely, at Becky Fall (near
Moreton Hampstead), in Bickleigh Vale, by Shaugh
Bridge, on Staple Tor, and on Vixen Tor. In Kent,
vicinity of Tunbridge Wells. In the county of Lancaster,
Cliviger, Conistone, Greenfield, and Rake-Hey Common.
In Somersetshire, near Shepton Mallet. In Sussex,
Ardingly, Balcombe, Cockbush (Chichester), Hand-
cross (Tilgate Forest), and West Hoathley. In
Yorkshire, the vicinity of Halifax and Esk Dale,
neighbourhood of Whitby. In Wales, in the coun-
ties of Anglesea, Brecknock, Caernarvon, Glamorgan,
and Merioneth ; and in the following localities : in
Glamorganshire, Cilhepste, Waterfall, Melincourt Water-
fall, and Pont-nedd-Vechan. In Merionethshire, Cader
Idris, Cwm Bychan (in the vicinity of Barmouth),
Crafnant (in the neighbourhood of Harlech), Dolgelly,
Vale of Festiniog, and Rhaiadr Du (in the neighbour-

134 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

hood of Maentwrog). In Scotland, in the counties of
Argyle, Dumbarton, Dumfries, Peebles, Renfrew, Ross,
and Stirling. The following are the localities of these
counties : — In Argyleshire, Bullwood, Dunoon, and
Glen Gilp. In Dumbartonshire, shores of Loch
Lomond. In Dumfriesshire, Drumlanrig ; and in
Lanarkshire, banks of River Clyde. It is also found in
the islands of Bute and Mull. In Ireland, in the
counties of Clare, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, and
Wicklow, the subjoined being the localities. In the
county of Clare, Feacle. In Cork, Ballenhassig
Waterfall, Dunbullogue Glen, Glenbower, Glengariff,
Killeagh, and Lota Wood. In the county of Dublin,
in the neighbourhood of the capital. In Galway,
Ballynahinch and Connemara. In Kerry, in Glen
Carnn and the vicinity of Killarney. In the county of
Wicklow, Glencree. Hymenophyllum tunbridgense is
found at various elevations, extending to about a
thousand or twelve hundred feet above the sea-level.

XLIX. — THE ONE-SIDED FILMY FERN.
Hymenophyllum jinilaterale.

(Plate XV., Fig. 6, page 77.)

LENGTH OF FROND. — One to six inches, the maxi-
mum length being exceptional, and the average seldom
exceeding two or three inches.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. — Roots very fine, wiry,
fibrous, and abundant. jRootstock, a slender, hairlike,
brownish-black rhizoma, which, like that of Hymenophyl-
lum tunbridgense, creeps extensively along the rocks or
shallow soil on which it grows, forming frequently, with
the roots, dense, compact clusters, which are often

THE ONE-SIDED FILMY FERN. 135

intimately mixed with roots of moss, and of its con
gener, the Tunbridge Filmy Fern. Fronds evergreen,
elongated, oval in shape ; stipes and rachis brownish-
black ; leafy part olive-green, bipinnate ; pinnae opposite
or alternate, divided into elongated, narrow pinnules,
which arise from one side — and that the upper — of the
midvein of each pinna. The texture of the fronds is of
the same semi-pellucid nature as that of the fronds of
Hymenophyllum tunbridgense, and they have the appear-
ance as of winged leafy margins to a series of forked
veins, — the distinction between the two species con-
sisting in the fact that the pinnules of Hymenophyllum
unilaterale, besides being wider apart from each other,
are produced upon one side only of the pinnae, and not
on both as is the case in Hymenophyllum tunbridgense.
Fructification produced in urn-shaped indusia similar to
those of the Tunbridge Filmy Fern, but entire, instead
of being fringed upon their upper margins — the indusia
being situated upon aborted veins that branch from the
pinnae on each side of and near the junction of the latter
with the main rachis (see page 18, right-hand figure).

HABITATS. — Exactly similar to those indicated in the
case of Hymenophyllum tunbridgense^ — namely, damp,
shady rocks, tree-trunks, and the ground, oftentimes
keeping company with that species, and with moss, the
roots and rhizomas interlacing with the mossy roots and
stems.

WHERE FOUND. — In England, in the counties of
Cornwall, Cumberland, Devon, Kent, Lancaster, Salop,
Stafford, Westmoreland, and York. The following are the
localities of these counties : — In Cornwall, the vicinity
of Bodmin, Rough Tor (near Camelford), Granite Tor,
and Cam Brea (near Redruth). In the county of Cum-
berland, Borrowdale, Bow Fell, Scale Force (near Butter-
mere), Dalegarth, Ennerdale, Gatesgarth Dale, High
Still, Honister Crag, Keswick, and Lodore Fall. In
Devonshire, Bickleigh Wood, Moreton Hampstead,

136 WHERE TO KIND FERNS.

Shaugh Bridge, West Lyn, Wistman's Wood ; and on
the following tors : Great Mist, Longaford, Sheep's,
White, and Vixen tors. In Lancashire, Thevilly (near
Burnley), neighbourhood of Bury, in caves near Green-
field, and near Lancaster. In the county of Northumber-
land, Jurionside. In the county of Salop, Treflack
Wood (Oswestry). In Staffordshire, Gradbitch (near
Flash). In Westmoreland, Ambleside, Langdale Pikes,
Patterdale, and Stock Gill P'orce. In Yorkshire, Lower
Harrogate, Hawl Gill (near Mickleton), and Turner's
Clough (Rushworth). In Wales, in the counties of
Anglesea, Brecknock, Caermarthen, Caernarvon, Cardi-
gan, Glamorgan, Merioneth, and Radnor. In Caernar-
vonshire, Capel Curig (near Llanberis), Cwm Idwal,
Rhaiadr Mawr, and Rhaiadr-y-Wenol. In the county of
Cardigan, Devil's Bridge, Hafod, and Pont Bren. In
Glamorganshire, Melincourt Waterfall, Scudeinon-Gam.
In the county of Merioneth, Cader Idris, Dolgelly,
Festiniog, Rhaiadr-y-Mawddach (near Llanelltyd), and
Rhaiadr-Du (near Maentwrog). In Scotland, in the
counties of Aberdeen, Argyle, Ayr, Clackmannan,
Dumbarton, Dumfries, Fife, Forfar, Inverness, Kinross,
Kirkcudbright, Orkney (including Shetland), Peebles,
Perth, Renfrew, Ross, Stirling, and Sutherland, the
localities in these counties being : In Argyleshire,
Crinan, Dunoon, Glen Finnart, Glen Gilp, and Glen
Moray. In Ayrshire, Dalmellington and Glen Ness.
In the county of Clackmannan, Castle Campbell and
Dollar. In Dumbartonshire, Bowling Hills and' shores
of Loch Lomond. In the county of Dumfries, Delvine
Pass, Grey Mare's-tail, Girpel Lane, Kirkpatrick-juxta,
Moffat Dale, and Nithside. In Forfarshire, Reeky
Linn. In the county of Perth, Ben Lawers, Finlarig
Burn (near Killin), Glen Queich, the Ochils, Pass of
Leny, shores of Lock Katrine, and the Trosachs. In
the county of Renfrew, Gourock. In the islands of
Arran, Harris, Islay, and Mull. In Ireland, in the

FERNS ROUND LONDON. 137

counties of Antrim, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway,
Kerry, Londonderry, Mayo, Tipperary, and Wicklow,
the following being the localities of these counties : In
the county of Antrim, Colin Glen (Belfast), Glenarve
River (Cushendall). In Cork, Morgan's Glen (Clonmel),
and near Youghal. In the county of Donegal, the
Knnishowan Mountains. In Galway, Connemara and
Oughterard. In Kerry, Killarney and the mountains of
the county. In Mayo, the mountains of the county. In
the county of Wicklow, Glendalough, Hermitage Glen,
and Powerscourt Waterfall. Hymenophyllum unilaterale
is found growing at various heights extending to two
thousand eight hundred feet above sea-level.

L. — FERNS ROUND LONDON.

THE number of those in the Metropolis who are lovers
and growers of ferns is enormously large, and has cer-
tainly largely increased within the last few years. A
walk through almost any street will prove the accuracy
of this statement, by showing how many ferns are now
grown in windows alone. These beautiful, flowerless
plants have, in such positions, to a large extent, taken
the place which used to be occupied by flowers or other
ornaments. Similar evidence of the direction of the
popular taste is afforded by the appearance of front
suburban gardens.

"Where to find ferns round London?" is, therefore,
a question that is being continually asked, and, though
the present chapter will not profess to return an ex-
haustive answer to the inquiry, it will give information
which, it is hoped, will be useful and valuable to a large
number of persons.

The rapid changes that, by the continual develop-

138 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

ment of London, are made upon the country around it,
render it difficult to accurately define the locality of
fern habitats ; and any attempt to name particular spots
where ferns are to be found would involve the risk of
constant disappointment. Particular habitats may have
been stripped, and yet the same ferns may be found in
the vicinity of the old habitats. The plants may, so to
speak, have been driven further afield ; but the places
that used to know them are almost certain to furnish a
more or less reliable key to their actual "whereabouts":
that is to say, that the old habitat will at least provide or
suggest a good starting-point from which to search for
the new one.

Amongst the authorities consulted for the purposes of
this chapter are the " Flora of Middlesex," by Messrs.
Trimen and Dyer, the floras of other metropolitan coun-
ties, and Dr. E. de Crespigny's " New London Flora."

The localities are set out in alphabetical order, and
the name of each district is given in preference to
indicating the exact wood, lane, common, or down where
the habitat is to be looked for. To direct thousands of
persons, for instance, to the particular part of a wood,
lane, or common where certain species of ferns are to be
found, would be to secure the speedy extermination of
the plants ; and such easy acquisition would take away
half of the pleasure of fern-hunting.

With regard especially to the following lists of ferns
round London, the Author will be glad at all times to
receive from correspondents information supplementary
to that contained in this chapter ; and, whenever pos-
sible, specimen fronds of ferns found in localities not
mentioned here, or not included under the names of the
districts which have been mentioned.

ABBEY WOOD. Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern), Lastrea
filix-mas (Male Fern).

ACTON. — Asplenium nita-nntraria (Rue-leaved Spleenwort),
Ophioi>lossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue).

FERNS ROUND LONDON. 139

ADDINGTON HILLS. Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern), Botrychium
Innaria (Moonwort).

ALBURY. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Asplenium ruta-muraria (Rue-leaved Spleenwort),
Botrychium htnaria (Moonwort), Cystopteris fragilis (Brittle
Bladder Fern), Lastrea filix-mas (Male Fern), Lastrea spinulosa
(Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern), Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-
tongue).

ALDENHAM. Athyrium filix-fcemina, (Lady Fern), Lastrea
dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern).

ARDINGLY. Hymenophyllum tunbridgense (Tunbridge Filmy
Fern), Lastrea recurva (Hay-scented Buckler Fern).

ASHTEAD. Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern).

BADDOW (LITTLE). Lastrea montana (Mountain Buckler Fern),
Lastrea thelypteris (Marsh Buckler Fern), Osmunda regalis (Royal
Fern).

BAGSHOT. Athyrium filix-fcemina (Lady Fern), Blechnum
spicant (Hard Fern), Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern),
Lastrea filix-mas (Male Fern), Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed
Buckler Fern), Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern), Polypodium vulgare
(Common Polypody), Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

BALCOMBE. Hymenophyllum tunbridgense (Tunbridge Filmy
Fern), Lastrea recurva (Hay-scented Buckler Fern).

BANBURY. Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue).

BARKING. Polystichum angulare (Soft Prickly Shield Fern).

BARNES. Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

BARNET. Lastrea filix-mas (Male Fern).

BAYFORD. Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Lastrea montana (Mountain Buckler Fern), Ophio-
glossum vtdgatum (Adders-tongue).

BEDDINGTON. Ophioglossum vulgalum (Adders-tongue).

BERKHAMPSTEAD (GREAT). Athyrium filix-fcemina (Lady
Fern), Lastrea montana (Mountain Buckler Fern), Polystichum
aculeatttm (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

BERKHAMPSTEAD (LITTLE). Asplenium adiantum-nigrum
(Black Maidenhair Spleenwort), Asplenium trichomanes (Common
Maidenhair Spleenwort), Athyrium filix-fcemina (Lady Fem),
Polystichum actileatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

BETCHWORTH. Asplenium ceterach (Swly Spleenwort), Ophio-
glossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue).

BEXLEY. Lastrea montana (Mountain Buckler Fern), Laslrea
thelypteris (Marsh Buckler Fern).

BLACK NOT LEY. Polystichum aculeatttm (Hard Prickly Shield
Fern).

BLETCHINGLEY. Asplenium ruta-muraria (Rue-leaved Spleen-
wort), Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

140 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

BRASTED. Lastrea montana (Mountain Buckler Fern).

BRENTFORD. Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue), Poly-
stichum angulare (Soft Prickly Shield Fern).

BRENTWOOD. Athyrium filix-fcemina (Lady Fern), Blf.chnum
spicant (Hard Fern), Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern),
Lastrea montana (Mountain Buckler Fern), Lastrea spinulosa
(Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern), Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-
tongue), Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern), Polystichum aculeatum
(Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

BRICKENDON. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Maiden-
hair Spleenwort), Ophioglossttm vulgatum (Adders-tongue), Poly-
stichum angulare (Soft Prickly Shield Fern). ~"

BROCKHAM. Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue).

BROXBOURNE. Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern), Lastrea filix-
mas (Male Fern), Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern), Lastrea
montana (Mountain Buckler Fern), Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-
toothed Buckler Fern).

BURNHAM BEECHES. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black
Maidenhair Spleenwort), Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maiden-
hair ^Spleenwort), Athyrium filix-fcemina (Lady Fern), Blechnum
spicant (Hard Fern), Lastrea filix-mas (Male Fern), Polystichum
aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern), Polystichum angulare (Soft
Prickjy Shield Fern).

BURSTOW. Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair
Spleenwort).

CANTERBURY. Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler
Fern), Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue).

CHALFONT. Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

CHERTSEY. Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern).

CHESHUNT. Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

CHIDDINGLY. Hymenophyllum tunbridgense (Tunbridge Filmy
Fern).

CHIGVVELL. Lastrea thelypteris (Marsh Buckler Fern), Poly-
stichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

CHINGFORD. Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield
Fern), Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

CHIPPING NORTON. Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern).

CHISLEHURST. Botrychium lunaria (Moonwort), Lastrea spi-
nulosa (Prickly-toothed. Buckler Fern), Pteris aquilina (Bracken),
Scolopendrium vulgare (Hartstongue).

CHOBHAM. Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern), Lastrea dilatata
(Broad Buckler Fern), Lastrea filix-mas (Male Fern), Lastrea mon-
tana (Mountain Buckler Fern), Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed
Buckler Fern), Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern).

COBHAM. Lastrea filix-mas (Male Fern), Lastrea montana
(Mountain Buckler Fern), Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed

FERNS ROUND LONDON. 141

Buckler Fern), Ophioglossiim vulgatum (Adders-tongue), Polypo-
dium vulgare (Common Polypody), Polystichutn aculeatum (Hard
Prickly Shield Fern).

COGGLESHALL. Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern).

COLDHARBOUR. Athyrium filix-fcemina (Lady Fern), Lastrea
dilaiata (Broad Buckler Fern), Lastrea filix-mas (Male Fern),
Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern), Osmunda re-
galis (Royal Fern), Polypodium vulgare (Common Polypody),
Polystichutn aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

COLNEY HEATH. Athyrium Jilix-fcemina (Lady Fern), Lastrea
filix-mas (Male Fern), Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield
Fern), Polystichum angulare (Soft Prickly Shield Fern).

COULSDON. Botrychium lunaria (Moonwort), Ophioglossum
vulgatum (Adders-tongue), Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

COWLEY. Asplenium ceterach (Scaly Spleenwort).

CRAY (NORTH). Lastrea thelypteris (Marsh Buckler Fern).

CRAY (ST. MARY). Polystichum angulare (Soft Prickly Shield
Fern).

CROHAM HURST. Polypodium vulgare (Common Polypody).

CROYDON. Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue).

DANBURY. Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern).

DARTFORD. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Athyrium filix-feemina (Lady Fern), Blechnum spi-
canl (Hard Fern), Botrychium lunaria (Moonwort), Lastrea filix-
mas (Male Fern), Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue), Pteris
aquilina (Bracken).

DORKING. Botrychium hmaria (Moonwort), Lastrea dilatata
(Broad Buckler Fern), Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern), Polypodium
vulgare (Common Polypody), Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly
Shield Fern).

EARLSWOOD. Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield
Fern).

ELSTEAD. Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern), Lastrea filix-mas
(Male Fern), Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern).

ELSTREE. Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue).

EPPING. Asplenium ruta-muraria (Rue-leaved Spleenwort),
Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern), Lastrea fitix-mas (Ma.\e Fern),
Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern), Lastrea thelypteris
(Marsh Buckler Fern), Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern), Polystichiim
angulare (Soft Prickly Shield Fern).

EPPING FOREST. Asplenium ruta-murarici (Rue-leaved Spleen-
wort), Asplenium ceterach (Scaly Spleenwort), Blechnum spicant
(Hard Fern), Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern), Lastrea
montana (Mountain Buckler Fern), Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-
toothed Fern), Lastrea thelypteris (Marsh Buckler Fern), Ophio-
glossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue), Polypodium vulgare (Common
L 2

142 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

Polypody), Polystichum aculeatitm (Hard Prickly Shield P"ern),
Polystichum angulare (Soft Prickly Shield Fern), Pteris aquilina
(Bracken), Scolopendnum vulgar e (Hartstongue).

EPSOM. Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

ESHER. Blechmtmspicant (Hard Fern), Lastrea dilatata (Broad
Buckler Fern), Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern),
Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern), Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

ESSENDON. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue), Polystic/nitn
aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

EWHURST. Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern).

FARLEIGH (WEST). Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue).

FARNHAM. Asplenium ceterach (Scaly Spleenwort), Botrychiitni
hmaria (Moonwort), Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern).

FOOT'S CRAY. Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Botrychium lunaria (Moonwort).

FRENSHAM. Polypodium vulgare (Common Polypody).

FRIMLEY. Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern).

FULMER. Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern),
Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

GERRARD'S CROSS. Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

GODALMING. Asplenium ceterach (Scaly Spleenwort), Botry-
chium lunaria (Moonwort), Lastrea thelypteris (Marsh Buckler Fern),
Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern), Polypodium vulgare (Common Poly-
pody). Also (at Hascombe) Lastrea filix-mas, Lastrea spinulosa,
and Polystichum aculeatum (W. A. Pearce).

GODSTONE. Asplenium ruta-muraria (Rue-leaved Spleenwort),
Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern).

GOMSHALL. Asplenium tnchomanes (Common Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Athyriumjilix-faunina (Lady Fern), Lastrea spinulosa,
(Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern).

GRAVESEND. Asplenium ceterach (Scaly Spleenwort).

GREENFORD. Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue).

GREENHITHE. Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue).

GUILDFORD. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Asplenium ruta-muraria (Rue-leaved Spleenwort),
Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair Spleenwort), Athy-
rium filix-fccmina (Lady Fern), Cystopteris fragilis (Brittle Bladder
Fern), Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern) Lastrea filix-mas
(Male Fern), Lastrea montana (Mountain Buckler Fern), Lastrea
spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern), Ophioglossum vulgatum
(Adders-tongue), Polystichum angulare (Soft Prickly Shield Fern),
Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

HACKNEY MARSHES. Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue).

HAII^AULT FOREST. Lastrea thelypteris (Marsh Buckler Fern),
Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

FERNS ROUND LONDON. 143

HAMPSTEAD HEATH. Aspknium ruta-muraria (Rue-leaved
Spleenwort), Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

HANDCROSS. Hymenophylhun tunbridgense (Tunbridge Filmy
Fern).

HAREFIELD. Asplenium cuKattium-nigruot (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair Spleen-
wort), Lastrea cristata (Crested Buckler Fern), Lastrea dilatata
(Broad Buckler Fern), Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue),
Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

HARROW WEALD. Aspknium adiantum-nigrum (Black Maiden-
hair Spleenwort), Athyrium filix-fccmina (Lady Fern), Blechnum
spicant (Hard Fern), Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern),
Lastrea montana (Mountain Buckler Fern), Polystichiim angulare
(Soft Prickly Shield Fern), Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

HARTWELL. Lastrea montana (Mountain Buckler Fern).

HASLEMERE. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Asplenium c'eterach (Scaly Spleenwort), Asplenium
trichomanes (Common Maidenhair Spleenwort).

HATFIELD. Asplenium adiantitm-nigrum (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair Spleen-
wort), Athyrium filix-fcemina (Lady Fern), Bkchnnm spicant
(Hard Fern), Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern),
Polystichum angulare (Soft Prickly Shield Fern).

HAYES. Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

HENDON. Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

HERTFORD. Asplenium adianttim-nigrum (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair Spleen-
wort), Athyrium filix-fcemina (Lady Fern), Blechnum spicant
(Hard Fern), Laslrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern), Lastrea filix-
mas (Male Fern), Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly- toothed Buckler Fern),
PolysticJmm angulare (Soft Prickly Shield Fern).

HERTINGFORDBURY. Polystichum angulare (Soft Prickly Shield
Fern).

HIGH BEECH. Lastrea montana (Mountain Buckler Fern),
Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

HIGHGATE. Asplenium ruta-muraria (Rue-leaved Spleenwort).

HITCHIN. Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern), Ophioglossum
vulgatum (Adders-tongue), Polystichtim aculeatum (Hard Prickly
Shield Fern).

HOLM WOOD. Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern), Lastrea montana
(Mountain Buckler Fern), Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern), Pteris
aquilina (Bracken).

HORSELL. Lastrea montana (Mountain Buckler Fern).

ISLEWORTH. Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue).

KELVEDON. Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair
Spleenwort).

144 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

KESTON. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern), Lastrea filix-mas
(Male Fern), Lastrea thelypteris (Marsh Buckler Fern), Polypodium
vulgare (Common Polypody), Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

LEATHERHEAD. Polysticlnim aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield
Fern).

LEIGH. Polypodium vidgare (Common Polypody), Scolopen-
drium vulgare (Hartstongue).

LEITH HILL. Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern), Botrychium lun-
aria (Moonwort), Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern), Lastrea
filix-mas (Male Fern), Lastrea montana (Mountain Buckler Fern),
Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern), Lastrea thely-
pteris (Marsh Buckler Fern), Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern), Poly-
stichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

LEYTON. Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair Spleen-
wort).

LEYTONSTONE. Asplenium ruta-muraria (Rue-leaved Spleen-
wort).

LouGHTON. Asplenium adiatrtum-nigrum (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Lastrea thelypteris (F. J. Lewis), Pteris aquilina
(Bracken).

MAIDSTONE. Asplenium cettrach (Scaly Spleenwort), Lastrea
filix-mas (Male Fern).

MAYFORD. Athyrium filix-fcemina (Lady Fern), Lastrea filix~
mas (Male Fern), Polystichum acukatum (Hard Prickly Shield
Fern), Polystichum angulare (Soft Prickly Shield Fern).

MERSTHAM. Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue).

MlCKLEHAM. Asplenium ceterach (Scaly Spleenwort).

MIMMS (North). Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern), Lastrea spinu-
losa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern), Polystichum angulare (Soft
Prickly Shield Fern).

MUNCOMBE. Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

NEWLAND. Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern).

NORTHAW. Lastrea montana (Mountain Buckler Fern).

NUTFIELD. Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

ONGAR. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair Spleen-
wort), Athyrium filix-fcemina (Lady Fern), Ophioglossum vulgatum
(Adders-tongue), Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield
Fern), Scolopendrium vulgare (Hartstongue).

OXHEY. Athyrium filix-fcemina (Lady Fern), Lastrea dilatata
(Broad Buckler Fern), Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue).

PERIVALE. Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue).

PINNER. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern), Lastrea filix-

FERNS ROUND LONDON. 145

mas (Male Fern), Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield
Fern), Polystichum angulare (Soft Prickly Shield Fern).

PIRBRIGHT. Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern), Lastrea filix-mas
(Male Fern), Lastrea thelypteris (Marsh Buckler Fern), Osmunda
regalis (Royal Fern), Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

PUTNEY. Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

PUTTENHAM. Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern), Botrychium
lunaria (Moonwort).

RAINIIAM. Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair
Spleenwort).

REDHILL. Scolopendrinm vulgare (Hartstongue).

REIGATE. Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair Spleen-
wort), Athyrium filix-fcemina (Lady Fern), Blechnum spicant (Ha.r&
Fern), Botrychium lunaria (Moonwort), Lastrea dilatata (Broad
Buckler Fern), Lastrea filix-mas (Male Fern), Lastrea spinulosa
(Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern), Ophioglossum mtlgatum (Adders-
tongue), Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern), Polystichum aculeatum
(Hard Prickly Shield Fern), Polystichum angulare (Soft Prickly
Shield Fern), Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

RICKMANSWORTH. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Maiden-
hair Spleenwort), Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair
Spleenwort).

RIVERHEAD. Asplenium ceterach (Scaly Spleenwort).

RUSTHALL. Lastrea montana (Mountain Buckler Fern).

ST. ALBANS. Asplenittm adiantum-nigrum (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Polystichum aciileatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

SEVENOAKS. Lastrea filix-mas (Male Fern), Pteris aquilina
(Bracken), Scolopendrium vulgare (Hartstongue).

SHACKLEFORD. Botrychium lunaria (Moonwort).

SHALFORD. Asplenhim ruta-muraria (Rue-leaved Spleenwort),
Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern).

SHIERE. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Asplenium rtita-muraria (Rue-leaved Spleenwort),
Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair Spleenwort) Bo-
trychium lunaria (Moonwort), Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler
Fern), Lastrea montana (Mountain Buckler Fern), Lastrea spinu-
losa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern), Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern).

SHIRLEY. Athyrium filix-fcemina (Lady Fern), Blechnum
spicant (Hard Fern), Botrychium lunaria (Moonwort).

SNARESBROOK. Athyrium filix-fcemina Lady Fern).

SOUTHBOROUGH. Blechmim spicant (Hard Fern), Pteris
aquilina (Bracken).

SPRINGFIELD. Polystichtim angulare (Soft Prickly Shield
Fern).

STANMORE. Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern), Pteris
(Bracken).

146 WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

STURRY. LaftreajHix-fotntma (Lady Fern).

SUNNINGHILL. Lastrea thelypteris (Marsh Buckler Fern).

TEDDINGTON. Aspknium adiantum-nigrum (Black Maiden-
hair Spleenwort), Aspknium ruta-muraria (Rue-leaved Spleen -
wort).

TILGATE FOREST. Aspknium adiantum-nigrum (Black
Maidenhair Spleenwort), Athyrium filix-fcewina (Lady Fern),
Bkchnum spicant (Hard Fern), Hymenophyllttm tunbridgense
(Tunbridge Filmy Fern), Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern),
Lastrea_filix-tnas(b&a\& Fern), Lastrea montana (Mountain Buckler
Fern), Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern), Poly-
podium dryopteris (Three-branched Polypody), Polypodiunt
phegopteris (Mountain Polypody), Scolopendrium vulgare (Harts-
tongue).

TiPTREE» Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern).

TOTTERIDGE. Polystichum acukatitm (Hard Prickly Shield
Fern), Polystichum angulare (Soft Prickly Shield Fern).

TOWN MALLING. Aspknium ruta-muraria (Rue-leaved Spleen-
wort).

TRING. Athyrium filix-fccmina (Lady Fern), Bkchnum spicant
(Hard Fern), Lastrea filix-mas (Male Fern), Lastrea montana
(Mountain Buckler Fern).

TUNBRIUGE WELLS. Aspknium lanceolatum (Lanceolate
Spleenwort), Aspknium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair Spleen-
wort), Athyrium JUix-fccmina (Lady Fern), Bkchnum spicant
(Hard Fern), Cystopteris fragilis (Brittle Bladder Fern), Hymeno-
phyllum tunbridgense (Tunbridge Filmy Fern), Lastrea dilatata
(Broad Buckler Fern), Lastrea filix-mas (Male Fern), Lastrea
montana (Mountain Buckler Fern), Lastrea recurva (Hay-scented
Buckler Fern), Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern),
Lastrea thelypteris (Marsh Buckler Fern), Osmunda regalis (Royal
Fern), Polypodium vulgare (Common Polypody), Pteris aquilina
(Bracken), Scolopendrium vulgare (Hartstongue).

VIRGINIA WATER. Athyrium filix-fcemina (Lady Fern), Lastrea
dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern), Lastrea filix-mas (Male Fern),
Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler Fern).

WALTHAMSTOW. Aspknium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

WANDSWORTH. Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

WARLEY. Aspknium adiantum-nigrum (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Aspknium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair Spleen-
wort), Athyrium filix-fcemina (Lady Fern), Bkchnum spicant
(Hard Fern), Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern), Lastrea
montana (Mountain Buckler Fern), Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-
toothed Buckler Fern), Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue),
Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern), Polystichum acukatum (Hard

FERNS ROUND LONDON. 147

Prickly Shield Fern), Polystichum angulare (Soft Prickly Shield
Fern).

WATFORD. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adders-tongue), Polystichum
angulare (Soft Prickly Shield Fern).

WELHAM. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Maidenhair
Spleenwort), Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair Spleen-
wort), Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield Fern).

WENDLESHAM. Polypodium vulgare (Common Polypody).

WEST HOATHLEY. Lastrea recurva (Hay-scented Buckler
Fern).

WEYBRIDGE. Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

WHETTON. Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern).

WIMBLEDON. Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Prickly Shield
Fern), Pteris aquilina (Bracken).

WINCHMORE HILL. Athyrium filix-famina (Lady Fern),
Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern), Lastrea spimtlosa (Prickly-
toothed Buckler Fern), Polypodium vulgare (Common Polypody).

WINDSOR. Athyrium filix-fcemina (Lady Fern), Lastrea
thelypteris (Marsh Buckler Fern).

WITLEY. Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern), Lastrea montana
(Mountain Buckler Fern), Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed
Buckler ¥ern),Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern).

WOKING. Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern), Lastrea dilatata
(Broad Buckler Fern), Lastrea spinulosa (Prickly-toothed Buckler
Fern), Pteris aquilina (Bracken), Scolopendrium vulgare (Harts-
tongue).

WONHAM. Lastrea dilatata (Broad Buckler Fern).

WOODFORD. Aspleimim ruta-muraria (Rue-leaved Spleenwort),
Asplenium trichomanes (Common Maidenhair Spleenwort).

WORMLEY. Lastrea filix-mas (Male Fern), Lastrea montana
(Mountain Buckler Fern).

INDEX OF LOCALITIES

Referred to between pages I and 137.

AIS-LA-BECK, 125
Alnwick Castle, 123
Ambleside, 115, 125, 136
Ardingly, 133
Arnside, 125
Arnside Knot, 108
Arthur's Seat, 115
Ashness Gill, 125
Assynt, 95, 126
Attermine Rocks, 108
Attermire Scar, 94

BALCOMBE, 133

Ballenhassig Waterfall, 134

Ballinasy Glen, 78

Ballynahinch, 134

Ballyvaughan, 70

Bandon, 78, 126

Bantry, 78

Barmouth, 133

Barry Island, 70

Bawsey Heath, 109

Beacon Hill, 125

Becky Fall, 133

Belfast, 124, 136

Ben Bulben, 95, 126

Ben Chonzie, 95, 100, 101, 126

Ben Hope, 95

Ben Lawers, 95, 97, 99, 100,

101, 126, 136
Ben More, 94
Ben Voirlich, 95, 126
Bettwys-y-Coed, 115

Bexley Decoy, 109

Bickleigh Vale, 133

Bickleigh Wood, 135

Blackford Hill, 115

Blackhead, 74

Blackstones, 78

Blackwater Valley, 78

Blair Athol, 126

Bodmin, 135

Borrowdale, 115, 116, 125, 135

Borrow Force, 125

Bow Fell, 135

Bowling Hills, 136

Brandon Hill, 95

Brecon Beacon, 125

Brixham, 70

Bulwell Marshes, 109

Bulwood, 134

Burnley, 136

Bury, 136

Buttermire, 135

Buxton, 125, 133

CADER IDRIS, 94, 126, 133
Cahir Conree, 70
Camelford, 133, 135
Canlochen, 95, 98, 126
Capel Colbren, 125
Capel Curig, 115, 117, 136
Capel-y-Fin, 125
Carclew, 70

Carlingford Mountains, 76
Carn Brea, 135

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

Carnedd Llewellyn, 115
Carr-edge, 125
Carrickfergus, 74
Carrick Gladden, 70
Carrigeena Kildorrery, 78
Carron River, 70
Casterton Fell, 125
Castle Campbell, 136
Castle Leod, 95
Castleton, 125
Catiaghiamman, 101
Cauldron Snout, 100
Cavedale, 125
Cavehill, 124
Cawdor Woods, 126
Charley Forest, 125
Cheddar Cliffs, 70
Chichester, 133
Cilhepste Waterfall, 126, 133
Clashgariffe Fall, 78
Clevedon, 70
Cliviger, 133

Clogwyn-du-Yrarddu, 126
Clogwyn-y-Garnedd, 94, 100,

101, 126
Clonmel, 137
Clova, 126

Clova Mountains, 95, 100, 101
Clyde River, 134
Cockbush, 133
Colin Glen, 137
Conistone, 133
Connemara, 70, 134, 137
Corehead, 100
Cork, 78, 126
Corrach Dh' Oufillach, 99
Crafnant, 133
Craig Challiach, 95, 101
Craig Dhu, 115
Craig Maid, 95
Craven, 125
Gremlin Point, 70
Crieff, 95, 100, 101, 126
Crinan, 136

Cromaglaun Mountains, 78
Croydon Brook, 133

Culbone, 115, 117
Cumailte Mountains, 78
Curaan Lake, 78
Cushendall, 137
Cwm Bychan, 133
Cwm-Idwal, 94, 97, 126, 136

DALEGARTH, 135
Dalmellington, 136
Danny, 125
Darran-yr-Ogof, 126
Dartmoor, 133
Dart River, 122
Del vine Pass, 136
Dersingham, 109
Devil's Beef-tub, 100
Devil's Bridge, 136
Dingle, 78
Dog's Lake, 100
Dolgelly, 115, 133, 136
Dollar, 136
Douglas, 70
Dovedale, 125, 126
Drumlanrig, 134
Drummond Hill, 126
Dublin, 134
Dulesgate, 125
Dunbullogue Glen, 134
Dunfermline, 117
Dunkeld, 115, 117
Dunoon, 126, 134, 136
Dunraven, 70

EAST ABERTHAW, 71
Edgefield, 109
Edinburgh, 117
Ennerdale, 135
Ennishowan Mountains, 137
Esk Dale, 133
Exmoor, 115

FAIRFIELD, 94
Falcon Glints, 94, 100, 125
Falls of Clyde, 126
Farlton Knot, 108, 125, 126
Feacle, 134

INDEX OF LOCALITIES.

Festiniog, 136
Finlarig Burn, 136
Flash, 136
Forces, 100
Fritton, 109

GATESWORTH DALE, 135
Giggleswick, 94
Gillsland, 125
Girpel Lane, 136
Glandore, 78
Glenade Mountains, 95
Glenarve River, 137
Glenbour, 78
Glenbower, 134
Glen Carnn, 134
Glencree, 134
Glen Dale, 95
Glendalough, 137
Glendine Wood, 78
Glen Dochart, 99
Glen Fiadh, 95, 100, 101
Glen Finnart, 136
Glengariff, 78, 134
Glen Gilp, 134, 136
Glen Isla, 95, 99, 101
Glen Lochy, 99
Glen Lyon, 95
Glen Meay, 70
Glen Moray, 136
Glen Ness, 136
Glen Queich, 136
Glouin Caragh, 78
Glyder-Vawr, 94, 100, 126
Glyn-y-Cwm, 126
Gordale, 125
Gortgaree, 78
Gourock, 136
Gradbitch, 136
Granite Tor, 135
Great Mist Tor, 136
Greenfield, 133, 136
Grey Mare's Tail, 136

HAFOD, 136
Halifax, 126, 133

Ham Bridge, 125

Handcross, 133

Harlech, 133

Hassendean, 117

Hawl Gill, 136

Hayle, 70

Helvellyn, 94, 115, 116, 117

Hermitage Glen, 78, 137

High Still, 135

Holt, 109

Honister Crags, 115, 135

Hunstanton, 109

Hutton Roof Crags, 108, 125

ILFRACOMBE, 70
Ingleborough, 94, 108, 115, 125
Ingleton, 108
Inveragh, 78
Ipswich, 109
Irthing River, 125

JEDBURGH, 115
Jurionside, 136

KELSO, 117
Kendal Fell, 125
Kenmare, 78
Keswick, 115, 135
Killarney, 78, 134, 137
Killeagh, 78, 134
Killin, 136

Kirkpatrick-juxta, 136
Knaresborough, 109
Kyloe Crags, 115, 116, 117

LANCASTER, 136
Land's End, 122
LangclifTe 94
Langdale Pikes, 136
Leeds, 125
Llanberis, 101, 136
Llan Dethyla, 115
Llanelltyd, 136
Llanrwst, 115, 117
Llyn-y-Cwm, 100, 115

152

WHERE TO FIND FERNS.

Loch Erricht, 95
Loch Katrine, 136
Loch Lomond, 134, 136
Loch Skene, 100
Lodore Fall, 135
Longaford Tor, 136
Lota Wood, 134
Lough Bulard, 71
Lough Eask, 95, 126
Lower Harrogate, 136
Low Leyton, 97
Lynn, 109

MACCLESFIELD, 133

Madeley, 109

Mael-dun-Crosk, 101

Maentwrog, 134, 136

Maidstone, 125

Malton, 109

Mare's-tail, 126

Matlock, 123

Mazebeck Scar, 94, 125

Melincourt Waterfall, 133, 136

Merthyr Tydfil, 126

Mewstone Bay, 71

Middleton, 94

Minto Crags, 78, 115

Mickleharc, 125

Mickleton, 136

Moel Lechog, 101, 115

Moffatt, loo

Moffatt Dale 136

Moreton Hampstead, 133, 135

Morgan's Glen, 109, 137

Mount Eagle, 78

Mourne Mountains, 76

NAVAN, 95

Newcastle-under-Lyne, 109
Nithside, 136
Norwich, 109

OCHILS, 136

Ogden Clough, 125
Oswestry, 136

Oughterard, 137
Oxton Bogs, 109

PASS OF BALI.ATAR, 115

Pass of Leny, 136

Pass of Llanberis, 100, 101, 115,

117

Patterdale, 115, 125, 136
Peel, 70
Penryn, 133
Penzance, 71, 122
Petersfield, 123
Petit Bot Bay, 82
Plym River, 122
Pont Bren, 136
Pont Nedd Vechan, 126, 133
Pont-y-Pair, 115
Port Kirig, 71
Portlemouth, 122
Powerscourt Waterfall, 78, 137
Prawle Point, 122
Purbeck, Isle of, 123

RAKE HEY COMMON, 133
Raven Rock, 95
Retlruth, 135
Reeky Linn, 136
Reeth Moor, 125
Rhaiadr-Du, 133, 136
Rhaiadr Mawr, 136
Rhaiadr-y-Mawddach, 136
Rhaiadr-y-Wenol, 136
Richmond, 125
Rosses, 95

Rough Tor, 133, 135
Roundstone, 71
Rushworth, 136

SADDLEBACK, 97
St. Aubin, 72
St. Haule, 72
St. Ives, 70, 122
St. Laurence, 72
Salcombe, 122
Scale Force, 135
Scawfell, 115

INDEX OF LOCALITIES.

Scudeinon-Gam, 136
Settle, 94, 108, 125
Severn River, 129
Shaugh Bridge, 133, 136
Sheep's Tor, 136
Shepton Mallet, 133
Silverdale, 1 08
Sleive Bignian, 76
Snowdon, 97, 101
Southgate, 125
Staley, 125
Staple tor, 133
Stenton Rocks, 117
Stock Gill Force, 136
Stonehaven, 124
Surlingham Broad, 109
Swaledale, 125
Swanage Cave, 123

TAMAR RIVER, 122
Tan-y-Bwlch, 124
Tavy River, 122
Teesdale, 94, 100, 125
Temple Michael Glen, 78
Thanet Mountain, 95
Thevilly, 136
Tilgate Forest, 133
Titherstone Clee Hill, 70
Tork Mountains, 78, 126
Tralee, 71

Trecastle Beacon, 125
Treflack Wood, 136
Tremadoc, 124
Trengwainton Cairn, 115

Trosachs, 136
Tunbridge Wells, 133
Turner's Clough, 136
Tweed River, 117
Twll-du, 94, 126

URRISBERG, 71

VALE OF FESTINIOG, 133
Vale of Newlands, 115
Vixen Tor, 133, 136

WASTWATER, 115
Watermouth, 70
Waterville, 78
Weardale, 125
Wensley Dale, 125
West Hoathley, 133
Westleton, 109
West Lyn, 136
Wharncliffe Wood, 124
Wharnside, 108
Whitby, 133
White Scars, 108
White Tor, 136
Widdal Fell, 125
Wistman's Wood, 136
Wybourn, 123
Wybunbury Bog 109

YARMOUTH, 109
Youghall, 78, 137
Ystradgunlais, 126

THE END.

WYMAN AND SONS, PRINTERS, GREAT QUEEN STREET, W C.

Imperial Quarto, 16 by 12 in., elegantly bound in cloth, price 8s.

THE FEUIT PORTFOLIO,

By FRANCIS GEORGE HEATH,

Includes in 15 plates elaborately drawn life size, exquisitely coloured
from nature, and accompanied by descriptive text, all the species of
British Ferns, which comprise a large proportion of the ferns of

America, and of many other parts of the world.

%* This work stands alone, as no other publication dealing with

the subject gives absolute facsimiles in form, colour, and venation

of the fronds of ferns.

Some Opinions of " Heath's Fern Portfolio."

THE AUTHOR OF " LORNA DOONE."
" The plates are wonderful"

THE TIMES.

"We need hardly praise the ' Fern Portfolio,' seeing that it is one of the
productions of Mr. Heath. Improving upon ' Our Woodland Trees,' in which
the leaves were reduced, this portfolio gives a series of life-size representations

of the fronds of our British ferns The volume will be of great

interest and value to botanical tourists and botanical residents in the country."

FIELD.

" The drawings have in every case been made from actual specimens
collected by the author, and evidently represent the characteristic ferns with
much accuracy. To persons fond of collecting ferns the work will be a boon,
presenting, as it does, so ready a means of identifying the specimens they
gather, independently of the botanical description printed opposite to each
species."

GRAPHIC.

"All the ferns are life-sized, and so beautifully done, that we can well
believe they are ' absolute facsimiles.' "

KNOWLEDGE.

" Nothing more beautiful in the shape of botanical illustrations than these
life-sized and life-like drawings of the fronds of our British ferns has ever been

issued So admirably are the figures drawn and coloured as to be

for all practical purposes of comparison equivalent to the plants which they
copy with such minute fidelity."

GARDENER'S CHRONICLE.

"Within the limits expressly prescribed by the author himself we have
nothing but praise to bestow, as 'the representations of the fronds are life-like
and accurate. '

SCHOOL BOARD CHRONICLE.

" It is an exquisite and unique work."

COLONIES AND INDIA.
" Fern lovers all over the world will be interested in this work."

London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY

A 000049518 4

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Full text of "Where to find ferns : with a special chapter on The ferns round London."

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